Damage to grass by dogs leads to island ban
A DECISION to ban dogs from Cornwall’s St Michael’s Mount because their urine is killing the grass has left pet owners upset.
Assistance dogs are now the only dogs allowed on the landmark, which is owned by the St Aubyn Estates and managed by the National Trust.
The decision was made after “use by dogs scorched the grass brown and rendered these small areas unsightly and unsuitable for small children at play”, according to the St Michael’s Mount website.
The ban follows widespread upset that emerged when a £14 charge was imposed to visit the island, when it was previously free to walk around the village and visit the cafe, with a charge only to enter the castle.
Michele Cornish, 57, had been visiting St Michael’s Mount regularly with a family dog. She said she was saddened to approach the end of the causeway earlier this year to be told that dogs are now permanently banned from visiting.
Ms Cornish said: “My family and I have always enjoyed a walk to the harbour on the island, making purchases from the two shops, and a meal (or at least an ice cream) from one of the cafes. I have always understood why dogs are not permitted to walk up to the house, but don’t understand why dogs are now not allowed to walk around the harbour.”
Several readers also took to the WMN sister website CornwallLive Facebook page to complain about the decision. Anne Millward wrote: “Walked over the causeway last month and was refused access to the village as dogs are now banned. Such a shame as I was planning on buying some Xmas pressies from the shop and having lunch in the cafe.”
Jan Amos commented: “As dogs are now banned we won’t be visiting again and we certainly wouldn’t pay £14 each for the privilege.”
The St Michael’s Mount website reads: “We do not allow dogs on the island other than assistance dogs. Assistance dogs are most welcome on the island and in the garden and castle. However we no longer permit any other dogs to visit the island. The compact harbour and village is mainly cobbled, with restricted areas of grass which are integral to the character of the Mount.”