In most cities, communities and neighborhoods, there’s a fine if you don’t pick up your dog’s waste. I definitely agree with laws regulating clean streets free from dog waste, but the reality is, it’s never enforced. To be honest, during my dog walks, I’ve yet to actually witness someone NOT picking up after their dog…but we know it happens since there’s always a rogue pile of poo.
True, maybe someone forgot to bring a poop bag or only brought one bag when two were needed. It happens! More often it is the irresponsible owner who fails to pick up their own pet’s waste and take it with them. Sure, it’s unpleasant…but it’s necessary.
The Ramifications of Dog Waste
– 4 million tons: It is estimated that dog owners do not collect over 4 million tons of dog waste annually
– 20-30% of all pollutants in waterways attributed to dog waste: Pollutants originating from rainwater run-off via sewer systems, and dogs pooping near watersheds or beaches. Overall, it is believed dog waste is third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in contaminated waters.
Do The Dirty Deed
I pick up poo! I even pick up dog poo that ISN’T from the dog I’m walking at the time of it’s discovery. I don’t care. It’s not difficult to do…doesn’t take a lot of time either.
When an owner doesn’t pick up the poo, they are probably being watched and subsequently heckled from afar. I guess the thinking is that if you make the person feel guilty about not picking up poo, he will run back and pick it up and put it in his pocket to be a good citizen. If you witness someone not picking up, just quietly ask if they need a bag (presuming they forgot theirs). Simple, respectful and safe. If they ignore you, so what. It’s not the end of the world. You COULD take their picture to report them to the authorities (ask them to smile first).
“I’ll Be Watching You”
With all that being said I experienced the opposite this week while walking on of my client’s Labrador/Rottweiler. I was walking her about 9pm, in the dark and she pooped like she was supposed to. As I went down to pick it up in a bag, someone from a nearby window (and cowardly hidden), yelled out “EWWWWW!”
Whaaaat?
The moral of the story: Do your duty, no matter who’s on duty!
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