Getting dog poop on your shoe, or having your dog sniff it up close is nasty but many people are unaware that all dogs harbor coliform bacteria in their gut; e.g. E. Coli, salmonella and guardia (please read USA Today) all which pose a threat not only to pets but to us humans as well (Important! read this too). Water runoff containing coliform bacteria from dog feces can pump unhealthy bacteria into our water system when pet owners don't pick up.
Norwood Gardens will be initiating a campaign to raise awareness of risks posed to pets, humans and plant life by not picking up. Many pet owners are not being responsible and we need everyone's cooperation and support to help our community and our pets stay healthy.
Let's all help. Call 311 if your street has excessive leave behinds. Sanitation responds with special patrols to problem areas. If you see someone embarrass their dog by not cleaning up, perhaps a polite word would help. After all it is the law, necessary for pet health and helps our community look and smell pretty.
Please feel free to download "Pick Up After Your Dog" fliers to laminate and post on your street.
Facts every pet owner should know about Canine Litter
- Pollutes our water through storm water runoff
- Spreads disease both to humans and other pets
- Carries heartworm, parvo, tapeworm, hookworm and can make dogs sick
- Detracts from our neighborhood
- The law says pick it up. Fine for not picking up is $250
