5 Reasons to Pick up the Poop!
There’s a grand stretch in the evenings and with the lifting if the 5K rule, more freedom to travel throughout the county. With all the exciting new places to sniff out, Petmania is reminding dog owners of the importance of cleaning up dog’s waste.
Dog waste is a worrying litter and environmental issue, but it can also present health and safety risks, which is why it is important to make sure to scoop the poop!
Emily Miller of Petmania said,
“As annoying and unpleasant as picking up your dog’s waste can be, it is a very minor inconvenience when compared to the consequences of overlooking this responsibility. By taking an extra minute or two to clean up after your pup, you’re not only being a responsible pet owner and good citizen to the local community, but you’re also helping the environment, one piece of poop at a time!”
Below are Petmania’s top reasons why pet owners need to pick-up after their dogs.
- Dog poop cannot break down on its own
Did you know dog waste can take up to 12 months to fully break down? Rainwater can carry it into the drainage systems and on into lakes, streams, and rivers. Dog poop that is carried into waterways could contain pathogens that affect living things in the water as well as making it unsafe for people to swim, fish, or boat in.
- Dog poop carries disease
Their waste could carry bacteria and parasites that are harmful to other pets and humans.
- Dog poop Is not a fertiliser
Since most dogs’ diets are high in protein, it has the reverse effect of fertilizer. It is exceptionally high in nitrogen and phosphorus and can kill grass if not removed.
- Common courtesy
Anyone who has ever stepped in dog poop knows how annoying and unpleasant it can be. Picking up after dogs is not just common courtesy but every pet owners responsibility as a pet parent. Faeces left lying in gardens, grassy areas, parks, and path is so unsightly and the smell can quickly become overwhelming.
- 5. It Is the law
Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 makes it an offence for the person in charge of a dog not to clean up when their dog fouls in a public place. Failure to clean up dog’s waste can lead to a €150 on-the-spot fine or on summary conviction to a fine of up to €4,000.
For more information see: Petmania.ie
