Dog Poo
 |
Dog faeces contain much of the same bacteria that human waste contains. We use toilets and our city has sewers and sewage treatment plants to protect our drinking water and the environment.
When we don't pick up after our dogs, what we are doing is depositing sewage on the fields and playgrounds where our children play, trails where we take nature walks, and beaches where our families and friends swim.
When we don't pick up dog faeces deposited in our yards, fields and trails, it runs off into storm drains and into our streams, rivers and even into groundwater. Even poop deposited far from a stream can still end up in our waterways.
Dog faeces contain nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients promote algae growth in lakes, ponds, and streams. Algae growth limits light available to aquatic plants. As the algae decays it uses up oxygen that is needed by fish. Runoff containing dog faeces can also causes bacteria levels to rise in waterways and can make beaches unsafe for swimming.
When walking your dog in Frankston municipality dog owners must pick up after their dogs as stated in Local Law No 7 - General - As amended by Local Laws Nos 8 9 11 12 13 and 16
Your Health
Your Dog's Poop may contain the following common diseases:
- Roundworm
- Giardia
- E. Coli
- Tapeworm
- Cryptosporidium
- Salmonellosis
- Fecal Coliforms
- Heartworms
- Whipworms
- Hookworms
- Parvo
- Corona
- Leptospira
These diseases are dangerous to humans - especially young children.
So the next time you are out with your dog, bring a bag, scoop the poop, and PUT IT IN THE BIN!
What to do if your dog poops in a public place:
- Place your hand on the inside of the bag
- Pick up your dog's faeces
- Fold the plastic bag back over your hand
- Remove your hand and tie a knot in the top of the bag
- Place the bag in the bin
- Wash your hands as soon as possible
TIP: Keep two plastic bags tied to your dog's leash so that you always have them with you.
Because as a community, we all want to:
- Protect our local water quality
- Protect our children from disease
- Monitor our dog's health
- Respect our community