Dogs to stay on leads in field after complaints

A green space in St Clement where dogs were previously allowed to run freely is now subject to restrictions requiring them to be kept on leads.

Constable of St Clement Marcus Troy said: "The decision to require dogs to be kept on leads in the meadow has not been taken lightly. Over recent months, a number of concerns have been raised by residents and visitors regarding the increasing amount of dog fouling within the meadow."

However, some regular users say they were taken by surprise when signs about the changes appeared, and said they felt dog walkers were not consulted beforehand.

Parish leaders said they would continue to explore alternative options for off-lead exercise.

Charlotte Nunes, a professional dog walker who uses the field regularly, said: "Unfortunately, they didn't let anyone know about the ban before the signs were actually put up. Nobody had the opportunity to have their say.

"It was based around complaints, and a lot of the community around here loves walking their dogs here.


"As soon as we saw those signs, it was like: 'Oh my gosh, our space that we care for every day has just been taken away from us.'"

The parish said it received feedback from families whose children had been frightened by dogs running freely, as well as incidents where they had been accidentally knocked over.

Nunes said she believed the new rules unfairly affected responsible owners.

She said: "There are irresponsible owners who will just keep doing what they're doing without any consequences.


"All that ends up happening is a blanket ban, and I don't think those people will take it seriously."

Rachel Le Couilliard, a registered childminder who regularly uses the area, welcomed the change and said it made the space feel safer for young children.

She said: "I come down here with children, and some of them can be scared of dogs.

"We picnic here quite often and we've had dogs run in amongst the children while they're eating, wee near the trees or even take food from their hands.


"For me, it's extra security having dogs on leads - you're not as worried."

Officials from the parish said it was important that families feeling "confident" using the area.

Nearby resident James Macateer agreed, saying the restriction did not bother him.

He said: "Dogs being on leads doesn't really affect me.
My dog's fine with children, but other dogs might not be, and that's when problems can happen."

However, others said the field was one of the few remaining places where dogs could exercise freely, particularly during the summer, when beach restrictions were in place.

Jenny Roussel said: "I'm really irritated.


"It was one of the only places in the east of the island where you could let your dog off the lead, especially in the summer when you can't go on the beach during the day.


"It allowed dogs to walk, sniff and move at their own pace."

Dog walkers said clearer, long-term arrangements were needed to protect spaces where off-lead exercise was guaranteed.

"We want protected spaces where we know they'll always be off-lead, not somewhere we feel could be taken away overnight if a complaint is made," Nunes said.


Rules around dogs in public spaces are set at parish level, but the St Clement changes come amid wider island-wide measures, approved by politicians, requiring dogs to be kept under tighter control on farmland and near livestock.

In a statement, St Clement Parish said it would continue to explore alternative options for safe off-lead exercise, but that the restriction would remain in place for now so the meadow can be shared considerately by the whole community.

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