Owners urged to keep dogs away from birds and pups

Owners have been reminded to put their dogs on leads around flocks of migratory birds and seal pups on beaches

Dog owners have been asked to help protect wildlife on beaches by keeping their pets on leads.

Summer restrictions on dogs using beaches across Guernsey and Jersey ended on Wednesday.

Guernsey Society for the Protection of Animals (GSPCA) and Jersey National Park (JNP) said seal pups were being born and flocks of migratory birds were arriving on the coastline which needed to feed and rest after their long journeys.

JNP asked dog owners to pick up after their pets and to keep them on leads around the birds as "if they are disturbed, they waste energy fleeing instead of recovering and it could cost them their journey".

'Critical time'

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said dogs should also be kept away from seal pups, which are born around this time of year.

He said: "We love seeing dogs enjoying Guernsey's beaches again, but this is also a critical time for wildlife.

"Please keep dogs away from these animals, give them space and call us if you see a pup alone or a bird in distress."