So why do some people still think it’s okay to leave their dog’s mess behind for others to deal with?
As a devoted pet parent and animal advocate, I can’t wrap my head around why anyone would think it’s okay to just leave their dog’s mess behind. Not only is it unsightly and inconsiderate, but the dangers of leaving dog waste unattended go far beyond just being an eyesore.
Just the other day, while I was out walking my dog, I saw a woman with her dog that was in the middle of doing its business. Being the responsible neighbor I am, I offered her a potty bag. To my surprise, she waved me off and said, “I don’t need it, I’ve got it handled.” Then, with a dismissive shrug, she called it “fertilizer.” Fertilizer? Seriously? Let’s get one thing straight: Dog poop is not “natural fertilizer.” In fact, it is far from it. Unlike cow manure, which comes from herbivores and can be beneficial to the soil in certain cases, dog feces is filled with harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses.
When dog poop is left to decompose on the ground, rain eventually washes it into our drainage systems. From there, it can seep into wells and make its way into our lakes, rivers and other water sources. This contamination is a real issue, and it affects not only the environment but also public health.
Think about it: Every time it rains, the dog poop left on the ground breaks down and releases harmful pathogens like E. coli, giardia and salmonella. These contaminants don’t just disappear. They can live in the ground for months and they also get carried into local waterways, where they pose a significant risk to both humans and wildlife.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), just a few ounces of dog feces can contain millions of bacteria that are hazardous to our health. And for those of us living in areas with wells, the danger is even more personal. Contaminated runoff can seep into groundwater, polluting the very water we drink.
Beyond the environmental hazards, there’s another risk that many people overlook. If the dog responsible for the waste isn’t properly vaccinated or dewormed, their poop can carry parasites and diseases that pose a serious threat to other dogs. Parvovirus, hookworms, roundworms and giardia are just a few of the illnesses that can be transmitted through infected feces and again, these threats can live on the ground for months! Imagine walking your healthy, happy dog through your community, only for them to step in contaminated waste and become seriously ill. It’s not only heartbreaking but entirely preventable.
What frustrates me most is how simple it is to pick up after your dog. It takes minimal effort to carry a few waste bags when you go for a walk. Most communities, including mine, even provide pet waste stations with free bags and disposal bins. So why do some people still think it’s okay to leave their dog’s mess behind for others to deal with? Is it laziness? A sense of entitlement? Whatever the reason, the consequences of this behavior are too severe to ignore.
And let’s not forget the social aspect of this issue. When people don’t pick up after their dogs, it creates tension within the community. No one wants to dodge piles of dog waste during their morning walk or let their kids play outside only to come home with dirty shoes. It reflects poorly on all dog owners when a few individuals refuse to take responsibility. If you love your dog and respect your neighbors, why wouldn’t you do the bare minimum to keep your community clean?
I know that accidents happen. Maybe you ran out of bags or didn’t notice when your dog did their business. But making a habit of ignoring your dog’s mess is not only inconsiderate – it’s harmful. It’s not just about appearances; it’s about protecting our environment, our water and our beloved pets. As dog owners, we have a duty to be responsible stewards of our community. Picking up after our dogs is a small but crucial part of that responsibility.
So, here’s my plea to every dog owner out there: Please, pick up after your dog. Keep a stash of waste bags in your pocket, your car or by the front door so you’re always prepared. If your community provides waste stations, use them. If not, dispose of your dog’s waste properly at home. It’s a simple action that makes a big difference.
The next time you think about leaving that pile behind, remember that it’s more than just a mess. It’s a potential health hazard. It’s polluting our water. It’s putting other dogs at risk. And most of all, it’s a reflection of how much you care about your pet, your neighbors and the place you call home. Let’s work together to keep our community clean, safe and healthy – one poop bag at a time. QCBN
By Loree Walden
Loree Walden is the marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society.
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