Pick it Up...It's Your Doodie!
Pet waste can contaminate our rivers, lakes and streams.
Pet waste contains harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and fecal coliform. Waters that contain a high amount of bacteria such as E. Coli are unfit for human contact. A single gram of pet waste contains an average of 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, some of which can cause disease in humans.
Pet waste decays, using up dissolved oxygen and releasing compounds that are harmful to fish and other animals that rely on water.
Pet waste contains nutrients that can cause excessive algae growth in a river or lake, upsetting the natural balance.
I want to be a responsible pet owner, but does this mean I have to pick up after my pet?
The bad news is…
Yes, you do have to “scoop the poop” but it’s a small price to pay to protect our water quality.
The good news is…
Whether in your yard or walking your dog, you can easily do the right thing. Purchase a “pooper scooper” or simply use a plastic bag. Many parks and apartment complexes provide special posts with “pet mitts” or bags to help you clean up after your dog. When finished, just place the waste in a garbage can. Everyone will be happier when you pick up after your pet!
Why should I pick it up?
Pet waste left on sidewalks, streets, yards or other open areas can be washed away and carried by rainwater into storm drains to nearby rivers, lakes and streams and cause many problems.
Did you know?
In 2001, there were an estimated 6.5 million dogs in the United States. That’s 6.3 billion pounds of poop per year! It would take a scoop 300 feet wide and 800 feet deep to dispose of all of that poop!
Source: U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Source Book by the American Veterinary Medical Association.