Campaign urges dog walkers to make ‘pawsitive impact’

THE Jersey National Park has launched a campaign urging dog owners to be responsible when walking their pets.
“Pawsitive Impact” encourages Islanders to take simple actions – including keeping dogs on a lead “where it matters” and cleaning up after them – to help protect livestock and safeguard natural sites.
The initiative, which was launched this week, centres on four main themes: protecting birds, respecting farmland, safeguarding other animals and preserving natural sites.
Advice will be issued over an eight-week period.
The campaign was created in partnership with the Jersey Access Service Providers group, which includes the government, the National Trust for Jersey, Jersey Heritage and the Jersey Farmers Union.
Its launch follows increasing reports of dog waste being left at Jersey’s beauty spots. This newspaper reported this month that only one dog-fouling fine had been issued in the Island in the past five years.
In an attempt to tackle the problem, The Wild Poo Project was launched last summer to educate Islanders about the amount of dog mess being left around Jersey.
Jersey National Park chairman Jim Hopley said the Pawsitive Impact campaign was about “finding balance”.
He said: “Jersey’s landscapes, from coastline to countryside, are something to be cherished, but they are also places that 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.”
He added: “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.”
Jersey Dairy managing director Eamon Fenlon said just one incident involving a dog disturbing livestock could have “devastating consequences”.
He added: “This campaign helps to educate dog owners on the meaningful steps they can take to support our farming community and protect the Island’s food system.”
Gail Bennie, project lead for The Wild Poo Project, added: “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.”
More information about the campaign can be found at jerseynationalpark.com/pawsitiveimpact.