Pet Owners Encouraged to Act Responsibly in New Campaign

New Campaign Highlights the Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership

A new initiative has been launched in Jersey to encourage dog owners to be more responsible when out and about with their pets. The Pawsitive Impact campaign, spearheaded by Jersey National Park (JNP), aims to remind owners to clean up after their dogs, keep them on leads where necessary, and respect farmland and wildlife.

JNP chair Jim Hopley MBE emphasised the significance of preserving the island’s natural beauty. “Jersey’s landscapes are something to be cherished. By keeping dogs on leads where it matters, respecting farmland, and cleaning up after them, we can ensure these spaces remain protected, accessible, and enjoyable for all,” he said.

While some dog owners deliberately ignore the rules, others may simply be too distracted by their phones to notice when their dogs relieve themselves. The campaign aims to raise awareness about this issue and encourage owners to be more attentive to their pets’ actions.

The Wild Poo Project, an initiative promoting responsible pet ownership, has also thrown its support behind the campaign. Representative Gail Bennie stressed the importance of keeping natural spaces clean. “The impact of dog activity, whether leaving waste and polluting our wild spaces 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 being run in collaboration with the Jersey Access Service Providers group, which includes the Government of Jersey, the National Trust for Jersey, Jersey Heritage, and the Jersey Farmers Union.

Eamon Fenlon, managing director of Jersey Dairy, pointed out the serious consequences irresponsible dog ownership can have on the farming community. “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.”

The Pawsitive Impact campaign hopes to strike a balance between allowing dogs to enjoy Jersey’s open spaces while ensuring those spaces remain clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.