JSPCA urges Jersey families to teach children how to respect animals

The JSPCA is urging parents and carers across Jersey to spend five minutes talking to children about treating animals with kindness and respect, following a number of animal welfare concerns reported around the Island this summer. The charity said the incidents have involved both domestic animals and wildlife in a range of circumstances. While the individual cases differ, the JSPCA said they highlight the importance of children understanding when an animal is frightened, stressed or needs to be left alone. The charity is encouraging families to teach children some simple rules when interacting with animals: give them space, never chase or corner them, handle them gently and learn to recognise signs of fear or discomfort. Tracy Millington, Animal Welfare Lead Adviser at the JSPCA, said children do not automatically know how animals communicate or recognise when they need space. 'That's something we teach them,' she said. 'A few simple conversations can help children understand an animal's boundaries, recognise signs of fear or stress, and learn how to interact with animals safely and respectfully.' The JSPCA said the advice is not intended to blame children, parents or particular communities, but to use recent welfare concerns as an opportunity to promote awareness and education. The charity also warned that respecting animals' boundaries can help protect children. An animal that feels threatened, trapped or unable to escape may react defensively. 'Whether it's a family pet, wildlife or an animal encountered while out and about, every interaction is an opportunity to show kindness and respect,' Ms Millington said. 'By helping children understand animal boundaries, we're helping to keep both animals and children safe.' The JSPCA says demand for its services is continuing to increase. The charity responded to more than 17,000 calls from the public over the past year and reported an increase in the number of wildlife being brought into its care, as well as more animals requiring complex medical and behavioural support. In 2025, the charity cared for more than 1,200 wildlife animals, including more than 190 hand-reared babies, and rehomed more than 120 domestic animals. The JSPCA, which has been caring for animals in Jersey for almost 160 years, says it costs more than £4,000 a day to operate its services. As an independent charity, it receives no government funding and relies on donations and support from the community and local businesses. Its animal ambulance operates around the clock, responding to emergencies and rescuing animals across the Island. The charity's message to families is simple: kind hands, quiet voices, and give animals space.