Pick up after your dog
This week’s column was headed in an entirely different direction but, rather than writing about politics south of the border, the topic may be viewed as basically the same by some. Spring has sprung in our winter city. Occasionally, one can see a crocus or two shyly peeking out in a few sunny, protected spots.
Along with that, our parks have an endless eruption of dog poop.
I know that you can’t fix stupid, but do people really think that snow hides dog feces? Sure, for a while, however to re-appear at this time of year.
Dog poop doesn’t wash away. It can carry bacteria that can stay in the soil for a long time.
A reader who approached me today was deeply concerned about this serious Prince George problem.
He had been at Cottonwood Island Park and was horrified with the amount of feces that he encountered. He said that it was like walking through mine fields, having to watch every step he took.
It broke his heart to see little children innocently playing, unaware of the hazard. It was not only gross, but potentially unhealthy to both dogs and people, especially children playing on the ground, including in the still snow-covered areas.
Unfortunately, it is happening all over town.
Did you know that dog feces can carry a lot of bacteria which can not only affect your dog as well as other dogs, but can also affect the health of humans?
Parasites are the most common cause. Salmonella and Campylobacter infections are also possible. These are not fatal, but the symptoms can be very unpleasant.
Parasites are very easily spread from feces as simply as transmission from the soles of your shoes.
That can bring the parasites into your house.
Some folks seem to think that poop is a fertilizer. Wrong.
Dogs are omnivores. Their feces are high in nitrogen and phosphorus which have the opposite effect on grass. Cow manure and bear
By the way, remember that even in an off-leash park, you must be in control of your dog at all times. That means that you must keep an eye on your pet and pick up after it wherever it squats.
scat, for instance, are different because they are herbivores that have a different diet.
Bylaw services worked very hard last year to create the new Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw No. 8898. They have every intention of enforcing it.
Section 9 deals with this issue. It states that if you are seen not picking up after your pet, you will be fined.
According to bylaw enforcement, that fine is $300. In addition, if you are walking your pet, you can be asked to show the bylaw enforcement officer your poopie bags.
If you cannot produce one, you can be fined $100. Please don’t come up with the excuse that you used it and discarded it. That may be true, but that does not prevent your dog from squatting again.
A responsible pet owner always carries several baggies on a walk. If the fine is not paid within 30 days, the price goes up to $375 and $125.
By the way, remember that even in an off-leash park, you must be in control of your dog at all times.
That means that you must keep an eye on your pet and pick up after it wherever it squats.
Our parks staff now have the burden of cleaning up what you felt was your right to leave behind.
This certainly is not the fault of your pet. However, as a pet guardian you are the one who has that responsibility. Remember, protect your pets as well as others.
Keep several poopie bags in your pocket, use them during all seasons and enjoy our wonderful green spaces with your best friend year-round.
As a reminder, Cottonwood Park is a leashed area. Ginter’s, Moore’s Meadow, as well as the fenced dog parks in Duchess Park and Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park on the Hart are offleash areas.