The Importance of Picking Up After Your Pet
One of the most frequent concerns our residents have is over the cleanliness of public spaces - especially when it comes to animal waste. Loose waste on public sidewalks can prove to be a nuisance for many residents, so we wanted to share a reminder of why it's so important to clean up after pets!
A good best practice when walking your dog on public property is to pick up after them. You may already be familiar that it is unlawful for the owner to not remove fecal matter left behind by Fido. Plastic bags are available around our city parks to aid in this effort, but did you also know that not picking up after your pet at home is also considered a violation?
Besides risking a fine, there are several other sanitary reasons to clean up after your pooch:
Intestinal parasites and bacteria can be lurking.
Parasites such as roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms and bacteria such as salmonella, e. coli, and giardia all pose threats to your health if you come in contact with them. Many parasites can live in contaminated soil and water for YEARS. Frequently picking up waste will prevent these microscopic monsters from coming into contact with you, kids or other pets.
It's stinky.
In the heat of the summer, the odor of waste left behind grows even stronger. Be a good neighbor and scoop the poop so everyone can enjoy the outdoors!
Parvovirus is highly contagious.
Parvovirus can spread between dogs through direct contact and by contaminated feces. It is capable of surviving in a contaminated area for up to two years and is resistant to many disinfectants. If an animal comes into contact with a contaminated object, surface, or another dog affected by Parvo, it can lead to a potentially life-threatening situation.
It's not a fertilizer.
While horse and cow manure can be an excellent fertilizer for the garden, too much nitrogen will burn plants. Dog waste contains up to two and a half times more nitrogen than cow manure. It takes a year to naturally decompose and will burn your grass, leaving brown spots.
It's the law!
Per Section 5-10, it is unlawful for a pet owner to allow the accumulation of animal feces in any open area. Scoop the poop to avoid a fine and the stink eye from your neighbors!
A good best practice when walking your dog on public property is to pick up after them. You may already be familiar that it is unlawful for the owner to not remove fecal matter left behind by Fido. Plastic bags are available around our city parks to aid in this effort, but did you also know that not picking up after your pet at home is also considered a violation?
Besides risking a fine, there are several other sanitary reasons to clean up after your pooch:
Intestinal parasites and bacteria can be lurking.
Parasites such as roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms and bacteria such as salmonella, e. coli, and giardia all pose threats to your health if you come in contact with them. Many parasites can live in contaminated soil and water for YEARS. Frequently picking up waste will prevent these microscopic monsters from coming into contact with you, kids or other pets.
It's stinky.
In the heat of the summer, the odor of waste left behind grows even stronger. Be a good neighbor and scoop the poop so everyone can enjoy the outdoors!
Parvovirus is highly contagious.
Parvovirus can spread between dogs through direct contact and by contaminated feces. It is capable of surviving in a contaminated area for up to two years and is resistant to many disinfectants. If an animal comes into contact with a contaminated object, surface, or another dog affected by Parvo, it can lead to a potentially life-threatening situation.
It's not a fertilizer.
While horse and cow manure can be an excellent fertilizer for the garden, too much nitrogen will burn plants. Dog waste contains up to two and a half times more nitrogen than cow manure. It takes a year to naturally decompose and will burn your grass, leaving brown spots.
It's the law!
Per Section 5-10, it is unlawful for a pet owner to allow the accumulation of animal feces in any open area. Scoop the poop to avoid a fine and the stink eye from your neighbors!