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Dog Walkers Need To Tidy Up Their Dog’S ActCouncil’s local laws officers are turning up the heat on dog owners who allow their pets to foul footpaths, nature strips, playgrounds and parks; and who fail to clean up. By Latrobe City Council - 10th December 2009 - Back to News Latrobe City’s coordinator local laws, Peter Fraser, said many people in the community have raised significant concerns about the impact of deposited and uncollected dog droppings within our community.
"Leaving dog droppings on streets, and other public places is smelly, unsightly and very unpleasant to step in! Dog poo is a serious litter issue with wide ranging effects on the municipal amenity," Mr Fraser explained.
"All dog owners are responsible for cleaning up and disposing of their dog’s poo when in a public place. Don’t get caught failing to clean up, you can be issued with a $117 on-the-spot fine for not complying with these requirements," Mr Fraser warned.
"Council’s local law not only requires dog walkers to clean up any excrement deposited by their pet, but requires them to carry a plastic bag or other means of cleaning up when walking their dog in a public place.
"Nowadays, it is generally accepted that cleaning up after your dog is part of being a responsible pet owner, and many dog owners would never consider walking their pet without the ever present plastic bag in the pocket. However, some owners by their inaction create a situation that is potentially dangerous to public health and harmful to the environment.
"Droppings contain harmful bacteria and nutrients, and some end up washing into natural waterways through the stormwater system. In some cases, dog faeces may contain the roundworm Toxocara Canis and this can be passed onto humans.
"Cleaning up after your dog is easy. You can use plastic or biodegradable bags, trowels or pooper scoopers. Products are available that attach to your dog’s leash to store plastic bags for use during walks," Mr Fraser advised.
Disposal methods include council provided litter bins, or domestic waste collection, worm farms or composting units.
Latrobe City councillor, Cr Sharon Gibson, said it was important that dog owners understand the requirements to clean up after their dog not only applies to footpaths, sporting grounds and grassy parks, but also to bushland reserves.
"Many complaints arising from dog owners failing to clean up after their pet arise in bushland reserves such as Moe’s Edward Hunter Reserve, Morwell’s Crinigan Bushland Reserve, or the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve.
"Dedicated volunteers maintain these reserves and it is totally inexcusable that irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after their pet, pollute these green space treasures we are so lucky to have close to our urban areas," Cr Gibson said.
"Keep your bags, pouches or pooper scoop products with your leash, as a reminder to take them with you," Cr Gibson suggested.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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