City of Carrollton, TX
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Doo the Right Thing with Pet Waste
There are approximately 1.5 million dogs in N. Central Texas. If the average dog produces 3/4 pounds of waste a day, that’s almost 1,125,000 pounds of dog waste. That’s a lot of doo! Pet waste is not only smelly and unsightly but is also a health risk for the environment.
It's the law!
Animal owners shall be responsible for the removal of all pet waste deposited by his/her animal on public walks, recreation areas, or private property. This applies to the owner's property in terms of not allowing unsanitary conditions, such as creating an odor nuisance.
Health Risk
Pet waste that is not disposed of properly can put your and your dog’s health at risk.
Parvovirus is a serious, highly contagious disease that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It is transmitted by contact with infected dog waste either directly or indirectly through soiled shoes, car tires, and anything else it touches. The virus can remain infectious on the ground for six months or longer.
Dog waste can also be harmful to people. Children playing in the yard and adults gardening can be exposed to diseases and parasites that can be transmitted from dog waste including camplyobacteriosis, cryptosporidium, and toxocariasis.
Water Quality Issue
Improperly disposed pet waste can wash into storm drains through rain, melting snow, and even from runoff from sprinklers and other landscape watering. Storm drains in North Central Texas drain directly into our streams and lakes, carrying many pollutants along with the water. This water is NOT treated or cleaned before it empties into a body of water.
Pet waste that ends up in our rivers, streams, and lakes can increase bacteria levels that can cause gastrointestinal problems and skin irritations, making it unsafe for swimming and other activities. Pet waste can also kill fish and cause weed and algae growth.
Tips for Dealing with Pet Waste
- Flush it. Pick up the waste with a scooper or slip a plastic bag over your hand. Flush the waste down the toilet, and toss the plastic bag in the trash.
- Toss it in the trash. Collect the waste in a plastic bag, tie the end securely, and toss it into your trashcan.
- Bury it. Scoop the waste and bury it at least six inches in the ground, and away from gardens and water sources.
- Attach a small bag or pouch to your dog’s leash so you’ll always have a supply of plastic bags for picking up after your dog.
- Save plastic bread bags, plastic newspaper sleeves, or plastic produce bags for scooping waste.
- Clean up droppings around the yard at least once a week.
Take Action and Spread the Message
Model "DOO"ing the right thing for your neighbors and fellow dog owners by picking up after your own dog on walks in the park and around the neighborhood. Be a good example and others will follow your lead!
The City of Carrollton has partnered with the North Central Texas Council of Government (NCTCOG) and other local cities to promote the Doo the Right Thing campaign. Take the pledge to Doo the Right Thing. For more information, check out the Doo the Right Thing website.