Cleaning Up After Your Pet is Important

From a Greenfield Department of Public Works (DPW) press release:

The Dept of Public Works would like to remind residents of the importance of cleaning up wastes from their dogs.  It is estimated that there are over 2300 dogs in Greenfield.  The reasons dog feces should be scooped up and properly disposed of are:

• It is estimated that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria as well as many types of parasites.  As in the human intestinal track, not all of these bacteria are disease producing, however many diseases can be spread by dog feces.

• In addition to transmitting diseases, the organic matter and nutrients contained in pet waste can degrade water quality because it contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous which can cause algae blooms.  Pet waste should never be placed in the storm drains (catchbasins) in the street.  These structures discharge rain water to local streams and the Green River.  When organic matter from the wastes degrades in water ways dissolved oxygen is taken from the water and ammonia is released.  Low oxygen levels, increased ammonia and warm summer water temperatures can kill fish.

• Pet wastes attracts disease carrying pests and flies adding another vector for disease transmission and generates objectionable odors in neighborhoods.

• Pet waste should NEVER be used as garden compost and it is not good lawn fertilizer.  Unlike cow manure, pet waste is protein based which makes it toxic to your grass.

Over the past few years the Town has been installing dog “potty stations” in many areas to facilitate the proper cleanup of dog wastes.  Currently stations are located at Beacon Field, Shattuck Park (north and south sides), the swimming area, bike path, Hillside Park, Green River Park and the Energy Park.  These stations contain disposal mitts and a disposal receptacle. The stations are maintained by the DPW Solid Waste Division.  The Town strongly urges the use of these stations and the clean up of wastes from residents yards in order to protect our waterways and make our town safer and more pleasant for all.  We would also like to remind citizens that town bylaw 17-11 requires the clean up of pet waste and bylaw 17-13 states that penalties of $25 - $300 can be imposed for failure to do so.

Quotations:
Sandra Shields, DPW Director:  “The installation of the dog potty stations in public areas has been well received and the Solid Waste Division does an excellent job maintaining them.  There are a large number of very responsible pet owners who faithfully clean up after their pets.  It is really quite disturbing that some are less responsible.  Children play in these fields; balls are rolling through the grass.  It is a very easy task to clean up after your pet in order to avoid someone becoming ill or at the least a very unpleasant experience”.