Reminder ---- SCOOP the POOP
It’s gross and smelly, but it’s also the law and helps protect the environment.
Parks, Recreation and Culture is teaming up with Animal Control to remind dog
owners to “Scoop the Poop”!
In our community, bacteria from
several different types of waste are the number one pollutant of our rivers,
lakes, and ocean. Just one day’s waste from one dog can contain 7.8 million
fecal coliform bacteria. With over 8,000 dogs in Nanaimo it’s pretty clear;
dealing with dog doo is a big deal.
The best thing for dog owners to
do is to pick up after their dog every single time. This way pet waste is not
left on the ground to be picked up in storm water running off with into our
creeks, lakes and the ocean.
Follow these steps to be part of
the solution to pet waste contamination.
- Bring It - always bring a plastic bag when you walk your dog, even if you are just heading out around your neighbourhood. Maybe keep one in your purse or jacket at all times. All dog off-leash parks are equipped with at least one dog bag dispenser and garbage can.
- Scoop It – use the bag as a glove to pick up the waste. Scoop up the waste and turn the bag inside out and around the waste.
- Do not throw bags into the trees or off to the side of the trail. Not only is this littering and unpleasant to look at, but poop not disposed of properly can lead to potential health issues for both humans and the environment.
- Dispose it – properly dispose pet waste by placing it in the bins provided in our parks, or flushing it (not the bag!) down the toilet. There are several companies in the Nanaimo area that offer dog doo pickup services.
For more information about dogs in Nanaimo parks and trails
please visit www.nanaimo.ca. Please contact
Animal Control for questions or concerns about dogs 250-754-1397.
While attending the open house last year regarding the off-leash dog park pilot project, the City representative was very clear that the purpose of the doggy bags wasn't for owners to pack the poop out, but so that it could be moved off the trail. She explicitly said that once the poop was picked up it should be tossed into the bush bag and all since the bag was biodegradable. Interesting that they've changed their minds on this.
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