LOCAL INFORMATION
4.6.0.L7
Animals
Extent: Jersey
Updated 13 June 2019
Words you may need to know
Welfare - how to care and look after something
Sanctuary - a place of safety
Negligence - being careless
Liability - to blame
Intervention - stepping in
Repellents - something ( usually a liquid) that keeps something away
The Animal Welfare Law
How to look after animals and make sure they don't suffer is laid down in the Animal Welfare [Jersey] Law 2004. A licence is needed from The Minister for Planning and Environment to run a pet shop, kennels, catteries and animal sanctuary.
Accidents-Liability
In Jersey law owners of animals involved in accidents or incidents are not liable or to blame unless the unhappy party can prove negligence on the owner's part. This involves the time and cost of court action.
The Law divides animals into two groups, dangerous or domestic. Owners of dangerous animals have a greater duty to keep the animals under strict control, this mainly concerns bulls.
Horses have complete protection. Owners are not liable unless total negligence on their part is proved.
Dogs
Under the Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961, dog owners must hold a licence and fit a collar with their (the owners) name and address or contact details . Under Jersey law dog owners only have to keep them on a lead within the town ring-road, so owners could be liable if an accident is caused by a dog not on a lead in this area.
Insurance
Some household insurance policies cover liability for pets and farmers are covered under their public liability policy.
Nuisance
It is the property owner's responsibility to fence neighbour's animals out, and not the owners responsibility to keep their animals in.
There are (non-harmful) repellents for cats and dogs that come into your garden, pepper sprays etc., garden centres normally have a selection.
In serious cases of large numbers of birds the Environmental Health Officers may act. Contact the Environmental Health Department on 445808.
Animals on the beach
Dogs
Between 1 October and 30 April, dogs can be exercised on the beach at any time.
Between 1 May and 30 September, dogs must be kept on a lead between 10.30am and 6pm.
You must pick up after your dog
Clean up your dog's mess or you could be fined up to £500.
Horses
Between 1 October and 30 April, horses can be exercised on the beach at any time.
Between 1 May and 30 September, horses cannot be exercised on the beach between 10.30am and 6pm.
