Stephanie Spinazola
March 11, 2013
The Hazards of Pet Waste Pollution
Did you know that dog waste is a major contributor to air, water, and soil pollution
(Mueller, 2012)? As many as up to 40% of dog owners do not clean up after their pets, which
has catastrophic effects on our water table (Mueller, 2012). This winter, many of you may have
noticed a large quantity of dog feces littering our community and along the trail that lines the
marsh. Not only is neglecting to clean up after your pet inconsiderate of your neighbors, it
poses a serious health hazard to humans, pets, wildlife, and the environment (EPA, 2001).
Contrary to the common belief that dog waste is a natural fertilizer, it provides nothing to the
health of the soil, and can in fact introduce harmful pathogens (EPA, 2001). Dog feces may
contain parvovirus, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, threadworms, campylobacteriosis,
giardia, coccidian, salmonella, and E. coli, which all cause infections in both humans (children
are especially vulnerable) and pets (EPA, 2001). Bacteria, viruses, and parasites from dog feces
are spread by contaminating the soil, which then pollutes our water sources and the air.
Humans and pets can become infected by many of these pathogens via accidental ingestion or
skin contact, which can occur by breathing in fecal-contaminated air, carrying contaminated
soil/waste into your home after a walk, or while gardening or playing/walking barefoot in the
grass (Paddock, 2011). Furthermore, people who suffer from asthma are particularly sensitive
to bacterial and fecal contaminants in the air, as these pathogens aggravate and contribute to
the condition (Paddock, 2011). The fact of the matter is that cleaning up after your dog may be
unpleasant, but it is necessary to the health of your family, pets, the environment, and is a
courtesy your neighbors deserve.
Now that you have hopefully been convinced of the dangers of failing to dispose of pet
waste, I have some suggestions for properly disposing your pet’s leavings. The best way that
you can prevent spreading fecal waste and pathogens into the environment and your family is
to promptly clean up after your pets (EPA, 2001). Bag up the waste in a preferably
biodegradable trash bag, and either throw it in your trash or toilet (minus the bag if flushing of
course). As long as your pet’s waste is not mixed with other material you can flush it down the
toilet (however, DO NOT flush cat waste because toxoplasmosis, a parasite commonly found in
cat feces, can survive sewage treatment) (Mueller, 2012). You can also bury pet waste at least 5
Stephanie Spinazola
March 11, 2013
inches deep, but make sure to stay away from vegetable gardens, water tables, and streams
(EPA, 2001). Additionally, although many of us do this, according to the EPA, “dogs should not
be walked near streams, ponds, or lakes. Instead, walk pets in grassy areas, parks, or
undeveloped areas. Pet waste left on sidewalks, streets, or other paved and hard surfaces are
readily carried by storm water into streams. Pet waste should be kept out of street gutters and
storm drains to prevent contaminating our drinking water” (EPA, 2001).
Remember, that there is no “poo fairy” that cleans up after your pets. Also, failing to
clean up after your pet is in violation of Old Oak’s ordinances resulting in a fine. We all deserve
(especially the neighborhood children) to take a walk around the neighborhood and around the
trail without stepping in or smelling dog waste. Dog waste takes a very long time to break down
and can linger for several months, which again pollutes our air, water, and soil. So please, make
sure to bring doggie bags when you walk your pet, and if you happen to forget your bag, simply
run back outside after your walk to clean up after your pet. Your family, neighbors, and the
environment will thank you for your consideration!
Bibliography
EPA. (2001, July). Managing Pet and Wildlife Waste to Prevent Contamination of Drinking Water.
Retrieved from EPA: www.epa.gov/safewater/sourcewater/pubs/fs_swpp_petwaste.pdf
Mueller, J. (2012, April). U.S. Waters Polluted by 10 Million Tons of Dog Poop. Retrieved from Care 2
Make a Difference: www.care2.com/.../u-s-waters-polluted-by-10-million-tons-of-dog-p...
Paddock, C. (2011, August). Bacteria From Dog Poop In City Air. Retrieved from Medical News Today:
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/233104.php