Spike Says: Pick Up The Poop

The folks over at the Clean Water Campaign want everyone to know that as a responsible pet owner, it is your “doodie” to pick up your dog’s waste.

Here’s the scoop on the problem:

• Pet waste can contaminate 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.
• 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 river or lake, upsetting the natural balance.
• 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.
• Whether in your yard or walking your dog, you can easily do the right thing.  Purchase a “pooper scooper” or simply use a plastic bag.  Many parks and apartment complexes provide special posts with “pet mitts” or bags to help you clean up after your dog.  When finished, just place the waste in a garbage can.  Everyone will be happier when you pick up after your pet!

Did you know that in 2001, there were an estimated 6.5 million dogs in the United States?  That is 6.3 billion pounds of poop per year!

It would take a scoop 300 feet wide and 800 feet deep to dispose of all of that poop!