let pet

Waste Contaminate Our Waterways

Do you know why it is so important to pick up your pet waste? It is not simply a matter of the inconvenience of stepping in poop. Pet waste can also contaminate our waters, affecting the environment, wildlife, and animal and human health.

Pet waste contains harmful pollutants: nutrients and pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses and parasites. When it rains, this waste is eventually carried to surrounding bodies of water. While decomposing, nutrients can cause algae blooms, decreasing the oxygen available to fish and other aquatic species, and may even lead to their death. The pathogens in pet waste can cause sickness in pets and humans. They can cause symptoms including intestinal problems, nausea, rashes, infections and even death.

The good news is that it is very easy to prevent all of these issues. If you have a pet, use plastic bags to collect all of their waste, even in your own yard, and dispose of it in the trash. And remember – many people don’t know all of this, so speak up and spread the word!