Hey, you! Yes, you. Do you leave your dog’s waste around the neighborhood because you think you’re providing “free fertilizer”? Or perhaps you don’t scoop the poop because you think it’s disgusting? Frankly, no one likes a warm, soft, smelly poop bag in their hands – but trust us, you should be scooping when your dog’s pooping.
That pet waste left behind creates a health risk for everyone – pets and people, alike. Like human waste, animal waste can contain harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites, some of which can continue creeping in the soil for months, even after the pile is gone! Pet waste also washes into our creeks and river, rendering the water unsafe for all of our favorite recreational activities like kayaking Town Lake and swimming in Barton Springs, while also accelerating the growth of nuisance algae in the water.
“Okay, so that’s one pile,” you probably think as you leave your pet’s waste behind, continuing on your walk. One pile might not seem like a lot, but it adds up! More than 250,000 dogs live in Austin, so approximately 150,000 pounds of dog waste are produced in our city every day.
So please, Scoop the Poop… every stinkin’ time:
Austin City Code 3-4-6 DEFECATION BY A DOG OR CAT:
“An owner or handler shall promptly remove and sanitarily dispose of feces left on public or private property by a dog or cat being handled by the person, other than property owned by the owner or handler of the dog or cat.” Potential Fine: Up to $500.
SCOOP THE POOP, AUSTIN – for cleaner streets, creeks, and feet!
Visit www.ScoopThePoopAustin.org or call 512-974-2550 for FREE yard signs, posters, and brochures to help get the word out in your neighborhood!
*This guest post has been sponsored by Scoop the Poop.*
