Dog owners urged to make a 'Pawsitive Impact' to Jersey

'Man's best friend' isn't always everyone else's. The team at Jersey National Park is warning owners dogs can negatively impact the environment.

The island is home to 10,000 four-legged furry companions, but despite how loveable they are, they can ruin Jersey's wildlife, farmlands, and livestock.

Owners are being encouraged to follow some simple rules to protect the National Park:

• Lead by Example – Keep dogs on a lead where it matters, preventing disturbance to wildlife,
• No Paws or Poops – Farmland isn’t for paws or poops. Stick to designated paths to protect crops and livestock,
• Lead On – A lead helps prevent unnecessary stress to farm animals and keeps the countryside safe,
• Bag it! Bin it! – Always clean up after dogs and dispose of waste responsibly to keep Jersey’s natural spaces clean and safe for everyone.

Ozzy Credit: BamPerspectives

Dogs can affect the agricultural industry, particularly, as their litter can have 'devastating consequences' for farmers.

Eamon Fenlon, Managing Director of Jersey Dairy, says Jersey’s farmland is vital to the Island’s agricultural industry and local food production.

"A single incident of dog worrying livestock and dog waste pose 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."

Jim Hopley, MBE, Chair of the Jersey National Park, says Jersey’s landscapes, from coastline to countryside, are something to be cherished, but it is also a place where dogs and their owners enjoy exploring.

"Pawsitive Impact is about finding balance - encouraging small, responsible actions that protect our countryside while ensuring dogs remain welcome in these spaces.

"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."

Gail Bennie is the project lead for The Wild Poo Project, which is a community-led initiative aiming to raise awareness and promote responsible behaviour.

She says 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. This initiative is an important step in encouraging people to treat the places we love to explore with more respect."

Ozzy Credit: BamPerspectives