Why not have beaches in the island which are permanently dog-free?
A LITTLE thought came to mind having read your story about out-of-control dogs (26 September). Would it not be possible (and sensible) to have two or three beaches on the island which are permanently dog-free? Maybe this is easier than messing around with a confusing part- time ban? Those who are not so keen on dogs can then enjoy a walk on the beach all year round and those with dogs can still enjoy the other beaches, sharing them with their four-legged friends. Everyone seems to manage from May to September – so why not all year?
Let me point out that I am not anti-dog – I used to be the owner of a beautiful Heinz 57 myself and we always had dogs in our household when I was growing up – there just seems to have been an explosion in the amount of dogs on the island and it is unfortunate that some of their owners don’t seem to be able to control them.
There are many people who like to use the beach year round, particularly Vazon, Cobo and L’Ancresse/Pembroke with their surfers, swimmers, wind and kite surfers, paddleboarders and even the odd person like myself who just likes to walk on the sand – whatever the weather.
I don’t wish to moan about owners not picking up after their animals as I truly believe that these people are in a very tiny minority. There will always be the odd bad apple but dog owners must try to understand that not everyone likes dogs and some people are genuinely frightened of them.
Not everyone wants a wet, sandy, barking dog jumping up at them, least of all old folks, like myself, or young children who are easily startled.
Just one more thing to point out before I head off to Cobo for a stroll... at Fort Hommet there is a sign that says, ‘Dogs to be kept on leads’, yet very few dog owners seem to take any notice of it. Why? Should this be policed?
Please, please, please – some dog-free space in the island for those who are not ‘dog haters’, but just aren’t so keen on them.
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