This is our homemade community dog poop bag dispenser that we put up at the entrance of Shad Bay parking area in Manaba, along Lilliecrona Boulevard.
Feel free to make use of it.
Pet waste can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses. It can make people, especially children, very sick. It can also be dangerous to wildlife and other dogs. Rodents are attracted to pet waste left in your yard or in public areas.
Waste can add harmful bacteria to local waters when it’s not disposed of properly.
It might not seem like a stormwater problem, but animal waste is one of the many seemingly small sources of pollution that can add up to big problems for water quality, and even human health. Responsible dog owners pick up after their pets in public places.
However, there are times when owners neglect to pick up their dog’s waste.
Perhaps they are in a rush, don’t have poop bags, or they don’t see why it’s so important. And because of this, you’ve probably stepped in more than your fair share of undisposed dog poop.
Chances are you’ve stepped in dog poop and not even been aware of it until you smell it wafting through your car or when you get home.
If you think, as many people do, that dog waste is a natural fertiliser, think again.
Since most dogs’ diets are high in protein, it has the reverse effect of fertiliser.
You might think that your dog’s poop cannot do much harm. However, it can throw off the balance of an ecosystem, especially in heavily populated areas.
An ecosystem can handle about two dogs per square mile. Picking up after your dog is common courtesy and part of responsible pet ownership.
When faeces is left lying in yards, grassy areas, parks, and even the sidewalk, the smell can quickly become overwhelming.
When you take your dog for a walk away from your home, you are entering public property.
Because you own your dog, what waste your dog makes is your responsibility to pick up.
It is even the law to clean up after your pet in all urban and suburban areas. Plus, it’s just good manners.
CARL NEL
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
