Dog walkers are out in the morning
before the workday begins and again in the evening. Most have
something in common. They carry a bag, usually a grocery bag
or the long plastic sleeve in which newspapers are delivered.
These conscientious pet owners take their waste-filled bags
and put them in their household trash or flush the contents
in the toilet.
What about the not-so-conscientious
pet owners? The Center for Watershed Protection refers to them
as “bad dog walkers” and claims their numbers are
16 million in the United States.
Pet owners who violate the County’s
pooper scooper law may incur a fine up to $250. Unfortunately,
since 1999 not one summons was issued for such violations. That
means the only deterrents to leaving pet waste on the ground
may be our individual conscience and societal mores. |
Nathan Pitkin and his dog Nayla |
Pet waste left on the grass
or in the woods makes its way to storm drains every time it
rains. Storm drains lead to lakes or streams that ultimately
lead to the Occoquan Reservoir and the Potomac Rivers, our drinking
water supply. Pet waste may carry disease-causing organisms,
which make water unsafe for swimming and more costly to treat
for drinking.
Dog waste on the ground is ugly
and messy. It pollutes our environment even if it is hidden
in the bushes, under leaves, or in the woods. Please pick up
after your pets. Our health may depend on it.
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