Clean Trails, Safe Paws
A small gesture that protects animals and nature
Together for a safer world for animals
Paws & Stays fully supports SAT’s position and preventive work.
A shared responsibility
Every day, thousands of people explore trails, parks and green spaces with their dogs. These places offer freedom, connection and wellbeing. They belong to everyone and deserve to be treated with care.
Through its Clean Trails project, SAT – Sicurezza Animali Ticino encourages dog owners to pick up after their pets, use the bags provided by local authorities and dispose of them properly. The project also asks visitors not to leave food, litter or other potentially dangerous materials behind.
Why does this matter?
Respect for animals begins with respect for the places in which they live. A single bag, food scrap or pile of dog waste may seem insignificant, but it can create health risks for dogs, wildlife, livestock and people who share the same landscape.
A small action that makes a big difference
Picking up after a dog takes only a few seconds, yet it is an important act of responsibility. Every dog owner can help keep public spaces safe, beautiful and welcoming.
- Keep trails, parks and green spaces clean.
- Protect domestic animals, wildlife and farm animals.
- Support considerate coexistence between all trail users.
- Set a positive example for other dog owners.
Protecting pastures protects livestock
Many walking routes cross meadows used for grazing or for the production of hay. Dog waste may contain parasites and pathogens that can contaminate grass intended for cattle, sheep, goats and other farm animals.
If contaminated feed is eaten, animals may develop illnesses or parasitic infections. Cleaning up after a dog therefore protects livestock, supports farmers and helps preserve the quality of the land we all enjoy.
Food waste can also be dangerous
Bread, bones, fruit and other leftovers should never be abandoned outdoors.
- They may attract wildlife and alter natural behaviour.
- Dogs may swallow harmful or toxic food.
- Discarded food can encourage insects and rodents.
- Litter damages the environment and the experience of other visitors.
The goals of the Clean Trails project
- Encourage responsible behaviour among dog owners.
- Promote proper use and disposal of dog-waste bags.
- Reduce littering along trails and in natural areas.
- Protect livestock, wildlife and the natural landscape.
How you can help
Always carry enough bags and pick up after your dog. Take the used bag to a suitable bin rather than leaving it beside the path to collect later. Carry food packaging and leftovers home when no bin is available, and share these principles with other dog owners.
A clean trail is not only more pleasant. It is safer for animals, more welcoming for people and more respectful of those who care for the land every day.
One intention. One shared responsibility.
Paws & Stays and SAT share the same intention: to protect animals, prevent dangerous situations and encourage responsible behaviour in nature.
We fully support SAT’s views and preventive work. Like SAT, we believe that awareness, consideration and small everyday choices can make a meaningful difference to the safety of dogs, wildlife and farm animals.
Our partnership helps important safety information reach more dog owners and reminds us that protecting animals begins with the actions each of us chooses to take.
DISCOVER SAT’S WORK“Every small gesture counts.”
Source and project partner: SAT – Sicurezza Animali Ticino
Hero photo: World of Magic / Unsplash