Dog owners could face a fine of $1,000 — even three months in jail — if they unleash their dogs on the beach.

And if they are caught committing the same offence, they could be fined $2,000 or six months in jail.

That’s the warning sounded in a statement released by Government today.

It’s illegal for owners to walk their dogs without a leash at this time of the year.

And between April 1 and October 31 dogs aren’t allowed on beaches whether on a leash or not.

Many owners continue to exercise their dogs on beaches, particularly early in the morning and evening.

But Government have noted that a dog without a lead in any protected area was in contravention of Section 6 of the Bermuda National Parks Regulations 1998.

“A ‘protected area’ means any area of land or water or both land and water specified in the First or Second Schedule protected areas of the 1986 Bermuda National Parks Act,” read the statement.

“The general public, dog owners and handlers are also advised that due to the sensitive ecosystem dogs are not permitted within the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, known as the old NASA site. Signs are posted at the main gate stating this policy.”

The Act states:

“No person shall, being the owner of, or in control of, a dog —

“(a) subject to paragraph (b), bring such dog unleashed on to any protected area; or

“(b) bring such dog on to any public beach in a protected area during the period from the 1st April to the 31st October in any year; or

“(c) subject to paragraph (b), bring such dog on to any protected area using a leash greater than three metres in length; or

“(d) cause, permit or suffer such dog to annoy or disturb any person in any protected area.”

More information can be obtained by calling the Department of Parks at 236-5902 and requesting the Park Ranger Office.