Warnings for dog owners as beaches open for winter

Dog owners have been urged not to let their pets disturb wildlife such as seal pups

An animal charity has warned dog owners in Guernsey to be careful of palm oil washed up on beaches and to also not let their pets disturb wildlife.

The warnings from the GSPCA come as 12 beaches on Guernsey and Herm reopen on Tuesday for winter dog walking.

The charity said it wanted "dogs and owners to enjoy the coastline and commons, as well as keeping wildlife safe".

Manager Steve Byrne said beaches reopening was "very exciting for many" but the charity had received reports of palm oil washing up which could be "very toxic" to animals.

Mr Byrne said: "It is really important when enjoying the beaches, commons and coastline with your dog that they don’t upset the wildlife as many birds will be resting and migrating and the new seal pup season is starting."

Which beaches are reopening for dogs?

The eight beaches on Guernsey that allow dogs between 1 October and 30 April are:

• Cobo

• Vazon (Northern end)

• Port Soif

• L'Erée (not Lihou causeway or island)

• Pembroke

• L'Ancresse

• Fermain

• Petit Bot

All of the island's other beaches allow dog walking year round.

Several beaches on Herm also ban dogs in summer, but allow them in winter:

• Shell Beach

• Belvoir Bay

• Fisherman's Beach

• The beach in front of the White House Hotel to the Herm Harbour Jetty

Guide dog owners can use any beach year round.