Be a good neighbor: pick up after your pet

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. According to USA Today, science has now revealed a more unsavory truth: It's an environmental pollutant.

The Clean Water Campaign has released information on the harm that is caused to the environment by pet waste:

  • 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.
  • Pet waste contributes to bacterial contamination of 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.

Not only that, but picking up after your pet is the law in Bay Village. The codified ordinance states: "It shall be the duty of all persons having control of animal to curb such animal and immediately remove all feces and dispose of same in a sanitary and proper manner."

The city provides "mutt mitts" in the parks for convenience, at a cost of over $5,000 per year. Bringing your own plastic bag with you when you walk your dog in the park would help save the city money!

Whether in your yard or walking your dog, you can easily do the right thing. Purchase a device made especially for the task or simply use a plastic bag. Then, just place the waste in a garbage can. Everyone will be happier when you pick up after your pet!

For more information on responsible pet ownership please visit: www.friendsofbayvillagekennel.com.

Sincerely,

The Friends of the Bay Village Animal Kennel

Read More on Letters to the Editor
Volume 4, Issue 9, Posted 10:28 AM, 05.01.2012