FRIENDLY REMINDER – Clean Up After Your Dog(s)
Happy Holidays from the Mayor, Council, and Staff of the Village of New Maryland
December 13, 2023
FRIENDLY REMINDER TO REGISTER YOUR DOG(s)
December 15, 2023
Friendly Reminder to Clean Up After Your Dog(s)
Many of us are dog owners and love our furry friends. Having a dog can have many pawsitive benefits like getting us outside to exercise, improves our mental and physical health, strengthens our immune system and having a lovable companion. However, owning a dog also comes with many responsibilities including “picking up after them”.
PICK IT UP!
It is completely natural for your dog to use the outdoors as their washroom, but when they “do a doo”, its really important for dog owners to pick it up and properly dispose of the waste and the bags used to collect it. Doing so keeps our recreational, public areas and green spaces clean. It also reduces the risk of spreading disease to people or other animals.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS!
Many people think dog waste is safe, natural and compostable, but it is not. In fact, dog waste can pose serious health risks to humans, and it can impact local ecosystems. Dog feces can also attract coyotes and rodents.
According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, the average dog can produce almost 2.5 kilograms (5 pounds) of waste weekly. Most dogs are on highly processed diets which results in excess nutrients being discarded. Dog waste can contain harmful bacteria (e.g., Campylobacter, E. coli), parasites (e.g., Giardia, Roundworm) and a host of others, which can penetrate soil, making people or other wildlife sick if exposed to it. It also has a damaging affect on the environment, as it is highly acidic and can harm soil, grass and plants.
STOP THE PROBLEM!
The solution is very simple! Bring dog waste bags with you when walking your dog(s). REMEMBER to place dog waste in waste containers (garage bins) or a designated dog waste container place in various locations throughout the Village (see enclosed map) OR take it home and throw it out with your garbage.
Residents are reminded to NOT leave dog feces or put dog waste bags on the ground.
You can be fined for not picking up after your dog. Per the Animal Control By-law No. 52-2006 Section 3(8)(9) No owner of an animal shall suffer or permit the animal to defecate on any property in the Village which is not the property of the owner. The owner of an animal shall immediately remove any feces left by the animal on the property.
