Annual beach restrictions for dogs lift today (1 October).

Dogs are banned from several beaches around Guernsey during the busy summer season.

These restrictions lift on 1 October.

Dog walkers and their canine friends can return to:

• Fermain
• Petit Bot
• L'Erée
• Vazon (Northern end)
• Cobo
• Port Soif
• L'Ancresse
• Pembroke.

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne says animals need to be kept under control:

“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.

We do want dogs and owners to enjoy the coastline and commons, as well as keeping wildlife safe.”

Guide dogs aren't included in the restrictions and can be taken on all of Guernsey's bays all year round.

Dogs are not permitted on Lihou Island and Lihou causeway all year round, to protect breeding seabirds.

Meanwhile, dog owners are being warned about palm oil deposits which have washed up on several beaches. Dogs may be interested in it, but it is  full of bacteria and is harmful to them.