Pet Waste

Pet waste contains harmful organisms like E.coli, Giardia, and roundworms that can be transmitted to people and pets if not cleaned up and properly disposed. A single gram of pet waste contains an average of 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, some of which can cause disease in humans. Pets, children who play outside, and adults who garden are at the greatest risk of infection.

When it rains, pet waste is washed down the storm drain and into the nearest stream or lake. People or pets that come in contact with the contaminated water can become sick.

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 water river or lake, upsetting the natural balance.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Luckily, the solution to this problem is quite simple. All you have to do is practice proper pet waste disposal:

  1. When walking: Bag it. Bring a plastic bag with you when you walk your dog.  Use it to pick up the dog waste, tie the bag closed and place in trash.
  2. At home: Trash it. Collect dog waste or kitty litter in a bag.  Tie securely and place in garbage.
  3. Tips for bagging it: Keep a supply of bags near your dog leash.  Reuse old plastic newspaper, bread, or grocery bags.  Tie bags on the leash if you don't have pockets.

RESOURCES:

Washington Department of Ecology Dog Poop Page

Dog Doogity Dog Poop PSA for ScoopPoop.org - Video

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