The trust is launching a initiative to advise Islanders of their public responsibilities, as previous appeals have failed to get the message across.
‘It is becoming an increasing challenge, as the lands team is very small and we can’t provide a bin-emptying service because we don’t have the facilities to deal with dog mess – especially at this time of the year when we are busy keeping footpaths open,’ lands manager Jon Parkes said.
It is an offence under Jersey law to leave dog mess in the countryside, on beaches and in parks. According to government statistics there are 7,500 licensed dogs in Jersey and each one is capable of producing 79.5 grams of poo a day – that amounts to a combined total of about 220 tonnes per year.
Dog faeces contains parasites and bacteria that can cause stomach upsets, sore throats, asthma and blindness in humans, and can make cows abort calves and sheep give birth to stillborn lambs.
The ‘hot spots’ causing the greatest concern to the trust are Victoria Tower above Gorey, Fern Valley in rural St Helier, Grantez in St Ouen and in the woodland above Quétivel Mill in St Peter’s Valley.
Posters are being put up to ask people to pick up after their pets in the hope of changing the anti-social behaviour of some dog owners.
‘It is worth reminding the public that National Trust for Jersey sites are privately owned and we invite and encourage everyone to use and enjoy them responsibly,’ Mr Parkes added.
‘They are provided for public enjoyment at no cost through our kind benefactors, supporters and members.
‘One of the trust’s aims is to provide open green space for everyone to enjoy, while providing opportunities for wildlife to thrive. There was some suggestion on social media that the trust is somehow anti-dog.
‘This is completely untrue and many of our staff own and love dogs. Our only issue is with irresponsible dog owners and walkers. It is never the dog’s fault.’
Mr Parkes also urged dog owners to respect the wildlife and habitats at its sites.
‘There are times and situations when we will ask the public to help us by either putting dogs on leads or avoiding sensitive areas entirely,’ he said. ‘With declines across so many species – from skylarks to butterflies to puffins – we all have to accept that in some cases we can’t have access to everywhere at all times and expect to have wildlife as well.’
