Dog owners are to ensure that their pets are always leashed to ensure the safety and peace of mind of beach goers as dogs are allowed on the Territory’s beaches between 6:00 am. and 8:00 a.m.

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour Honourable Vincent Wheatley while thanking members of the Beach Monitoring Task Force for ensuring that the protocols are being followed, stated that there have been reports of dogs on beaches breaching the proper laws and regulations.

Honourable Wheatley said, “I have emphasised and will continue to emphasise the importance of following the guidelines of beach use at this time. Please continue to practice social distancing and ensure that pets are leashed to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all beach goers.”

The public is reminded of the Dog (Prevention of injury to persons, poultry and livestock) Act, 2001 which gives guidance on how they should be handled on beaches throughout the Territory.

Section 9(4) of the Dog Act 2001 states, “No person shall take or keep a dog on a beach outside the hours of 6:00 a.m to 8:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. If he contravenes this prohibition, then he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars”.

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands made the decision that beaches in the Territory will be opened from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily in the Imposition of a Curfew (No. 18) Order 2020 Section 8(1).

Dogs are only allowed on beaches between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Persons are also reminded that dogs must be registered with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries within seven (7) days of owning the dog or it making three (3) months of age. If the proper documentation or identification tag cannot be found on a dog, then the owner and his/her dog will have to vacate the beach. They are also reminded to pick up and dispose of their pet’s waste while using the beaches.

Dogs must be registered with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries within seven (7) days of ownership or before the animal is three (3) months old. To schedule an appointment, please contact the department at 468-6123 or 468-6124.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration continues to effectively manage and administer the natural resources of the Territory in a manner that ensures long term sustainability.