TODAY is liberation day for the Island’s dogs.

The summer ban on them being off their leads between 10.30 and 6 pm comes to an end every year on 1 October.

And to coincide with their newly rediscovered freedom, their owners are being reminded about their responsibilities to clear up after them.

In May the Jersey Dog Mess Campaign was credited with reducing the amount of mess being left by inconsiderate owners on beaches, pathways and at beauty spots and it is being relaunched to drive home the message about the health risks from dog faeces and the fact that offences attract fines of up to £500.

The key points of the campaign are: 1.- Faeces are unsightly and cause a nuisance to everyone around the Island, no one likes to step in dog mess.

2.- They can lead to nutrient enrichment and subsequent changes in the vegetation of important and environmentally sensitive areas.

The nutrients and bacteria can also pollute streams and other waterways.

3- Dog faeces pose a risk to human health, particularly children.

Whilst at low incidence in Jersey, the Toxocara roundworm can be found in dog faeces, and may cause a wide range of infections in the body from aches and pains to damage to eyesight.

4.- More recently, the possibility of infection with e-coli from dog faeces found in public places has been raised.

John Pinel, countryside manager of the Environment Department which is running the campaign in conjunction with dog owners groups, said: ‘We recognise that it is only a minority of dog owners who refuse to pick up after their animals.

‘However, these people really can spoil the general public’s enjoyment of the countryside and need to be educated and encouraged to follow the good example of the many responsible dog owners that are out there.’