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Applicability
Canine waste management is applicable to any apartment/condo complex or
municipality, since dog owners are a part of every community. Dog communities
can do a variety of things to encourage dog owners to pickup and properly
dispose of their dogs waste. They can produce and distribute educational
materials to residents to inform them about the effects of dog waste on
water quality, soil contamination, health issues to themselves, their
families, their dogs, and to inform them on the other environmental issue
of using plastic bags versus biodegradable bags. Additionally, an ordinance
can be enacted and/or enforced to provide a legal basis for dog waste
disposal fines.
Implementation
The first step in a canine waste management program is to increase
public awareness. Canine waste programs strive to encourage proper waste
disposal by passing local ordinances and fines and launching public education
campaigns to educate dog owners on the importance of cleaning up after
their dog.
Many communities implement dog waste management programs by posting signs
in parks or other dog frequented areas, sending mailings, and making public
service announcements. Many communities have “pooper-scoopers”
laws that govern dog waste pick up. Some of these laws specifically require
anyone who walks a dog off his/her property to carry some form of pickup
tool. Laws can also be implemented that requires dog owners to keep their
properties healthy and clean. Some if not all these programs can carry
fines that can offset the cost of the program.
Sign posting is one of the most common outreach strategies for managing
dog waste. Signs can be used to designate areas where dog walking is prohibited
entirely, where waste must be picked up or where dogs can roam freely.
Many communities post neighborhood signs asking dog owners to “curb
your dog”. The rationale behind that request is that dogs walked
along the curb are more likely to defecate on the roadside, where the
waste can be captured by street sweeping. However, waste deposited in
the road is also more likely to be washed down sewers, so this tactic
is not considered nearly as effective as a pooper-scooper law. These outdated
signs should be removed as they cause confusion. Many communities have
established dog parks with great results and some communities have also
installed dog waste bag dispenser with bags that help to encourage the
dog owners to be more responsible. A canine waste management program could
also distribute kits to dog owners.
Benefits
The benefits of a canine waste management program include a cleaner
neighborhood in sight, smell, and improved water quality through a reduction
in nutrient inputs into bodies of water.
Limitations
Because canine waste management is focused on the individual
dog owner, the program is dependent on the participation and cooperation
of all owners. Many dog owners consider pooper-scooper laws a nuisance
and environmental and aesthetic benefits a waste of time.
Effectiveness
To be effective, canine waste management programs must be enforced.
Neighborhood residents, communities and dog organizations and even the
municipality are responsible for ensuring that dog owners are picking
up after their dogs and properly disposing of the waste.
Cost
The cost of a canine waste management campaign will vary depending
on several factors, including the materials used; sins, ads, dispensers,
bags, etc. The cost can be offset by the enforcement of fines that are
implemented within the
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