News Details (Posted: January 18, 2006):

Remember to pick up after your pet

Full Description:

Contact: Kelly Tokarski
Phone: (949) 395-4448

Remember to pick up after your pet

City officials are asking residents to remember to pick up after their dogs on city trails, open space and at parks – in an effort to protect the environment and encourage responsible pet ownership. Officials have reported an increase of pet waste found on city multi-use trails – enjoyed by hikers, equestrians and bicyclists alike.

Whether it’s the cold months of winter or the dog days of summer, pet owners need to be responsible for scooping up their pets’ waste. Rainwater can wash away pet waste left on city trails, sidewalks, yards, streets or other open space areas into the storm drains and creeks, which ultimately ends up in the ocean and on beaches. Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters. It poses health hazards, is unsightly and can prevent others from enjoying public areas.

Pet owners should remember when walking their pets on city trails – or anywhere for that matter – to bring along a doggie bag to pick up waste and dispose of it properly. The city provides doggie bags at most city parks.

“Our trails, paths and parks are here for everyone to enjoy, so we should all do our part to make sure that they are clean, and we can do so by simply remembering to pick up after our pets,” said Karen Crocker, director of community services.