19-02-2025
Campaign promotes responsible dog ownership in Jersey
A campaign has been launched to promote responsible dog ownership in National Park (JNP) said its Pawsitive Impact campaign encouraged owners to keep them on a lead where it mattered, to clean up after them and to safeguard farmland, wildlife and natural chair Jim Hopley MBE said the island's landscapes were "something to be cherished".He said: "By keeping dogs on a lead where it matters, respecting farmland, and cleaning up after them, we can ensure these spaces remain protected, accessible, and enjoyable for all."
Mr Hopley said: "Pawsitive Impact is about finding balance - encouraging small, responsible actions that protect our countryside while ensuring dogs remain welcome in these spaces."The JNP was set up to protect the wildlife and cultural heritage of the island's coastline.
Gail Bennie, from the The Wild Poo Project - which encourages owners to pick up after their pets, said the initiative would encourage people to "treat the places we love to explore with more respect".She said: "The impact of dog activity, whether leaving waste and polluting our wild spaces or endangering or disturbing wildlife, may affect our ability to enjoy these special areas."By raising awareness, we hope to encourage positive behaviours and create a cleaner, safer environment for all - humans, dogs and wildlife."
The campaign is a partnership with the Jersey Access Service Providers group, which includes the Government of Jersey, the National Trust for Jersey, Jersey Heritage and the Jersey Farmers Fenlon, managing director of Jersey Dairy, added: "A single incident of dog worrying livestock can have devastating consequences for farmers, and dog waste poses a real risk to cattle health."This campaign helps educate dog owners on the meaningful steps they can take to support our farming community and protect the island's food system."
