Make a ‘Pawsitive Impact’ on Jersey’s Countryside

Jersey is home to around 10,000 dogs, bringing a shared responsibility to protect the Island’s countryside for everyone, on two legs and four.

To promote responsible dog management, the Jersey National Park has launched Pawsitive Impact, in partnership with the Jersey Access Service Providers (JASP) group, which includes the Government of Jersey, the National Trust for Jersey, Jersey Heritage, and the Jersey Farmers Union.

The campaign encourages simple actions – keeping dogs on a lead where it matters, sticking to paths, and cleaning up after them – to help safeguard farmland, wildlife and natural sites. It delivers key messages in a friendly, engaging tone, supported by clear, practical advice.

Pawsitive Impact features four core themes, each being promoted online and in the media, over the coming months.

Monday 17 February – Sunday 2 March: Protecting Birds – Dogs off-lead can startle migratory birds, forcing them to waste valuable energy fleeing instead of feeding and resting. By keeping dogs on a lead, owners can ensure these birds can safely recover before continuing their long journeys.

Monday 3 March – Sunday 16 March: Respecting Farmland – Farmland is not for paws or poos. Straying off designated paths can damage crops, while dog waste can introduce harmful parasites that threaten livestock health. Responsible walking helps protect Jersey’s agriculture.

Monday 17 March – Sunday 30 March: Safeguarding Other Animals – Dogs, even the friendliest ones, can stress livestock, leading to serious health consequences, injury, or loss of young. Keeping dogs on a lead prevents unnecessary distress and supports farmers.

Monday 31 March – Sunday 13 April: Preserving Natural Sites – Jersey’s stunning natural spaces are for everyone to enjoy, but only if they are respected. Cleaning up after dogs and sticking to paths prevents damage to environmentally sensitive areas.

Pawsitive Impact encourages dog owners to take simple steps to be part of the solution:

• 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.

A dedicated campaign webpage, jerseynationalpark.com/pawsitiveimpact, provides further information, practical guidance and links to responsible dog management resources.

Jim Hopley, MBE, Chair of the Jersey National Park, said: “Jersey’s landscapes, from coastline to countryside, are something to be cherished, but it’s 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.” 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.”

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

Gail Bennie, project lead for The Wild Poo Project, a community-led initiative aiming to raise awareness and promote responsible behaviour, also commented: “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.” She continued: “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.”

To find out more, visit: jerseynationalpark.com/pawsitiveimpact.