Dogs on Beaches during Covid-19: Legislative Drafting Instructions

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A decision made on 23 April 2020

Decision Reference: MD-E-2020-0016
Decision Summary Title :	Dogs on beaches during Covid19 - Legislative Drafting Instructions		Date of Decision Summary:	20 April 2020
Decision Summary Author	Private Secretary		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report title :	Dogs on beaches during Covid19 - Legislative Drafting Instructions		Date of Written Report:	20 April 2020
Written Report author	Hospitality and Leisure Manager		Written Report: Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Legislative Drafting Instructions to amend the Policing of Beaches (Jersey) Regulations 1959 to delay until 31 May 2020 the start date of restrictions on animals on beaches for this year only.
Decision: The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture (EDTSC) decided to extend the period that dogs can be on beaches without a lead to provide greater flexibility under the Covid19 Stay At Home instruction. The measure also applies to the riding of horses or ponies on beaches.
Reasons for Decision: Regulation 2(1)(h) of the Policing of Beaches (Jersey) Regulations 1959 prohibits dogs on beaches between 10.30am and 6.00pm from 1st May to 30th September unless they are on a lead. It also prohibits the riding of horses or ponies. The Covid-19 Stay At Home instruction means people can only exercise with their animals for two hours a day, and delaying the start of the restrictions will provide greater flexibility for owners and increase the ability for social distancing.
Resource implications: There are no financial or manpower resource implications.
Action required: Officers are asked to liaise with HM Attorney General to prepare the necessary instructions, which will then be forwarded to the Legislative Drafting Office.
Signature: Senator S Pallett		Position: Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture
Date signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed)