Submitted by Steve on 18:42, 29th Sep, 2020 | 0

We are very lucky that most of Guernsey's beaches are dog friendly during the summer months.  From the 1st October the beaches where dogs are banned between 1st May and 30th September have the restrictions lifted and these are –

  • Fermain
  • Petit Bot
  • L'Erée
  • Vazon (Northern end)
  • Cobo
  • Port Soif
  • L'Ancresse
  • Pembroke
  • Dogs are not permitted on Lihou Island and Lihou causeway all year round.

We have been blessed with amazing weather for many months but with the rough winter sea hazards are often washed up on our shores and it is important for dog owners to ensure they keep a watchful eye on their pets and away from wildlife from the birds that use our shores to the potential seal pups and their mums.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Many dog owners will be looking forward returning to those beaches with their dogs where they are not allowed during the summer months.”

“The GSPCA would like to remind all dog owners to take care on our beaches as the winter hazards that can be washed up on our shores can vary from palm oil to seaweed which if eaten can put our dogs at risk.”

“Many wild birds use our shores to rest and with the seal pup season locally due soon it is important to keep our dogs a good distance from the wildlife we have on our coast.”

“For those concerned about a seal pup or any injured wildlife you can call our emergency helpline on 01481 257261 chose option 2 and that is 24 hours a day 7 days a week.”

“To care for the 1000’s of wild animals and many others in our care we really need your support, please donate to our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by visiting https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal , call 01481 257261 or by post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and send to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.”

The States of Guernsey has some further helpful information –

‘Dog owners should always prevent their dog from chasing or disturbing wildlife, especially birds.   Birds are particularly vulnerable during the breeding season, February to July.’

‘If you are a dog owner, pick up after your dog! Please tie the top of the bag. Take the waste home, or put it in a public litter bin.’

‘Please don't leave dog mess in a plastic bag at the side of the path or hanging on trees, hedges or fences. This is still a littering offence.’

‘If you see someone else leaving the mess from their dog on public land, you can ask them to pick it up. If they refuse, you are encouraged to contact Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services or the Police with any details that may help lead to a successful prosecution (e.g. vehicle registration of dog owner/walker, description of dog and owner, etc). All calls will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.’

‘Owners of guide dogs are exempt from the Control of Dogs Ordinance. Please note special arrangements can also be made for dogs registered under the UK registered assistance dogs scheme, particularly for dogs for the hard of hearing. Under this arrangement, owners of registered assistance dogs can apply to the Department for a licence excluding them from most of the provisions of the Ordinance. However, such owners are still legally required to pick up faeces left by their dogs in public places. Please contact Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services for further details.’

For more information on these rules please visit - https://www.gov.gg/dogban

In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in line with their advice or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus

The GSPCA continues with all essential services and we plane to phase other services back into operation and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-take-cautious-approach-returning-new-normal-%E2%80%93-gspca-plan-our-services-and-volunteers-retu

With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.

For volunteering information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261

To find out more on talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261

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