I took Gaby for a walk on the Cushman Trail off of 14th street on Sunday. Someone had driven on the trail so there were two nice clear lanes to walk with snow on either side. The trail both the clear parts and the snowy areas were littered with dog poop.
There are poop bags at all the entrances to the Cushman Trail. So even if a person forgets to bring a bag, one is provided. It is the responsibility of all dog owners to clean up after their dogs. Even people with Guide and Service Dogs clean up after their dogs.
So what is the reason for all the dog poop? Laziness and disrespect for the rights of others. People should have the right not to have dog poop in stroller or bicycle wheels. The right not to have dog poops on the bottom of shoes and then brought into cars, houses and stores.
Besides being unsightly and smelly, dog poop is unhealthy to both other dogs and people. While dog poop is biodegradable, it increases the parasite and bacterial count of an area and can pollute streams and aquifers.
Dog owners that do not pick up after their dogs give all responsible dog owners a bad name. Every jacket I own has at least one poop bag in a pocket. You can tie a bag on to your leash or buy a poop bag dispenser that comes with refills and attach it to your dog leash.
The fix for the problem is so simple if each and every dog owner picks up after their dog. Quite simply there is no excuse for leaving dog droppings behind.
©2012
