The Scoop on Poop
Why dog owners should pick up after their dogs
My Linene Woods neighborhood is a great place for kids and grown-ups to walk, as well as a good place to walk one's dog. On my walks and jogs, I see a number of dogs being walked. The dogs are usually on a leash, always friendly, and as well-behaved as dogs can be. Their owners are usually well-behaved as well, but not always. Sometimes owners let their dogs do their business right in the road, or on their neighbors' property— and then fail to clean up the mess. These thoughtless dog-walkers may come from outside our neighborhood, attracted by our serene streets and inviting shrubbery. They may even believe it is okay if it is hidden by leaves. They're wrong; there are at least 4 reasons dog owners should never leave dog poop on the road or on other people's property...
It's Illegal

Leon County’s Animal Control Ordinance [11-21, Section 4-43(a)] says "It shall be unlawful for any owner of a animal to fail to remove any feces deposited by his or her animal on public walks, recreation areas, public streets, or private property other than the premises of the owner of the animal."

The penalties [11-21, Section 4-29(b)] are $50 for the 1st violation, $100 for the 2nd, and $250 for additional violations.

It's Unhealthy

Abandoned dog poop can host diseases and parasites which can infect other dogs that come into contact with it. It can also be transmitted to people who accidentally step in it and track it home. Young children are particularly at risk. Bacteria (E. coli and salmonella), parasites (Giardia and cryptosporidiosis), and worms (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms) are all possible.
It's Pollution Dog feces and urine contain relatively large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients feed and stimulate the overgrowth of algae in water bodies and can cause the water to become depleted in oxygen, making it less healthy for fish. Large levels of algae growth can impede the recreational and aesthetic value of water, too.
It's Inconsiderate It shows that you care only about your own convenience and that you don't care...
  • if your neighbors have to walk carefully to avoid dog poop,
  • if your neighbor (or your neighbor's kids) step in dog poop, or
  • if your neighbors have to smell dog poop,
  • if your neighbor drives over dog poop and spatters it on his or her car.
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    Good News!

    There are easy ways to clean up after your dog.    		 1. Put a plastic bag or two in your pocket before leaving your house. The typical plastic grocery bag works well, as does the plastic bag in which the newspaper is delivered. When you need to use one, put it over your hand – like a mitten. With your covered hand, pick up the poop. With your other hand, pull the edges of the bag down over the rest of the bag – turning it inside out. This leaves the poop inside the bag, and neither hand has touched the poop. Tie a knot in the top of the bag, and take it home with you.

    2. Buy a leash attachment with a roll of plastic bags. Keep it always attached to the leash, so that when you go for a walk you always have the bags with you. Pull a bag off the roll when you need it, and proceed the same as above. Rolls and dispensers are available from Amazon, PetSmart, and many other sources; just Google "dog waste bags".

    References

    Click on a link for more information.    		 Leon County’s Animal Control Ordinance 11-21, http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Portals/0/publicworks/Animal%20Control/docs/Ordinance2011_11-21.pdf

    Leon County’s Animal Control Ordinance Supplement, 12-10, http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Portals/0/publicworks/Animal%20Control/Animal%20Ordinance%20Suppliment%202012.pdf

    Diseases in dog poop,    Why You Should Pick Up Your Dog's Doo-Doos

    Ten reasons why every dog owner must be responsible
    http://www.gov.je/ENVIRONMENT/PROTECTINGENVIRONMENT/RESPECTINGENVIRONMENT/Pages/DogMess.aspx
    For more info, or to make comments, email...