The Arrecife City Council has put out for public consultation the modification of the Ordinance on the Use and Management of the Coastline of Arrecife with the aim of changing the rules that regulate the presence of animals such as dogs on the municipality's beaches. Specifically, the document proposes modifying article 44 on the presence of animals on the coast. In this regard, it states that on the beaches of La Cruz and El Cable, users will be able to bring their pets with them between certain dates of the year to avoid affecting the Kentish plover (charadrius alexandrinus).
The key to this change is that it moves from a total prohibition of access for dogs that already existed to a partial prohibition, as animals would not be allowed on the beaches and coves of Arrecife between February 1 and July 1, inclusive. The rest of the year, access for pets would only be allowed during daylight hours (from dawn to dusk). Furthermore, the ordinance points out that, in the event that authorities or experts observe the presence of nests, chicks, or eggs outside the closed season, access could be prohibited immediately.
These dates represent the breeding season of the Kentish plover, a species that is among the vulnerable species in the Canary Islands and usually nests near the sea, taking advantage of small hollows in the sand to lay its eggs and then cover them with shells.
According to the Association for the Conservation of Canary Biodiversity, it is one of the "most threatened" species on the islands and a few years ago there were only 135 pairs in the entire archipelago.
Although the Arrecife City Council intends to establish a specific date, the Environment Department of the Cabildo de Lanzarote has stated on social media that "strict dates (July 1) do not exist for fauna", so "vigilance will have to be increased before its opening." In fact, along with this response, they have attached a photo of a chick and an adult specimen of this species photographed on the coast last July 7.
Thus, it is indicated that if the Kentish plover becomes endangered, the authorization for dogs to access the beaches would be automatically annulled and the general prohibition would return.
Obligations for dog owners
The municipal ordinance establishes a series of obligations for dog owners. On the one hand, the animals must be at all times under the control of their owner and it is mandatory to collect their excrement and keep the beach clean.
Likewise, owners must carry the animal's documentation (identification, animal health, and potentially dangerous dog licenses) with them. Not having it on the beach will be grounds for expulsion.
Finally, dogs cannot disturb other users or harass wildlife. It is warned that any animal not under control will be removed by the authorities.