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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Feb. 4, 2004
04-030
Pooping pets pose pollution predicament
OLYMPIA - When Daisy and Digger dally on their daily doggie walks, they
produce a surprising amount of bacteria-filled waste, adding up to as much
as 150 tons a day in Washington alone.
According to the state Department of Ecology, all this pet waste can cause
serious environmental harm unless it is properly controlled.
"In an area of 100,000 people, about the size of Everett or Yakima, dogs
generate about two and a half tons of feces per day," said Ralph Svrjcek, a
water cleanup specialist for Ecology. "That's almost two million pounds a
year. That's a lot of bacteria."
Studies show about half of all dog owners walk their dogs in public places,
and up to 40 percent of them don't pick up after their pets.
Dog and cat waste left on the ground can be washed into storm sewers, most
of which drain directly into natural water bodies. There the waste
contributes to all sorts of problems - from sick kids to mucky algae that
suffocates fish and is sometimes poisonous to humans.
"It seems like such a small amount when it's just your dog, but it really
does add up," Svrjcek said. "Many people don't realize how important it is
to take care of their pet waste so it stays out of our lakes, rivers and
streams."
The same bacteria that make pet waste dangerous to people in parks can make
water unsafe for swimming or drinking. Children and others can get sick if
they dunk their heads or accidentally get a mouthful of polluted water. And
when waste gets into shellfish beds, it can make clams and oysters unsafe to
eat.
Children and others who play in yards or in parks where pets do their
business can pick up illnesses from disease-causing bacteria and parasites.
These include diarrhea, fever, muscle aches, headaches, vomiting, roundworms
and toxoplasmosis (a parasite carried by cats that can cause birth defects
if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy). Other pets can get sick too.
So, what should a responsible pet owner do?
"Don't just throw your dog's business over the fence," Svrjcek warned. "Yes,
it will biodegrade eventually, but meanwhile it can cause problems for the
rest of us."
Cleaning up after pets can be as simple as taking along a plastic bag on
your next walk. The "used" bag can be disposed safely by securing the
plastic bag and putting it in a nearby trash can. At home, larger volumes
of pet waste should be double-bagged to ensure it can be safely handled by
local sanitation workers.
Many wastewater treatment plants allow pet waste to be flushed down the
toilet (just the waste, not the litter). Check with the treatment plant
first, though.
Homeowners who use septic systems should use another disposal method for pet
waste. For example, pet waste can be buried in the yard, at least six inches
deep, away from vegetable gardens, lakes, streams, ditches or wells.
"Even in rural areas, if you leave your pet's waste to decay in your yard,
try to make sure it doesn't cause a water pollution problem," Svrjcek said.
Clean up near wells, storm drains, ditches and waterways, and always remove
waste from areas where children play.
Sidebar
Diseases that can be passed from pet waste to humans:
Campylobacteriosis - a bacterial infection carried by dogs and cats that
frequently causes diarrhea in humans.
Salmonellosis - the most common bacterial infection transmitted to humans by
other animals. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Toxocariasis - roundworms usually transmitted from dogs to humans, often
without noticeable symptoms, but may cause vision loss, a rash, fever or
cough.
Toxoplasmosis - a parasite carried by cats that can cause birth defects if a
woman becomes infected during pregnancy. Can also be a problem for people
with depressed immune systems.
# # #
Media contact: Leslie Thorpe, public information manager, 360-407-6848
Ecology's Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov
Broadcast version
When Daisy and Digger go out on their daily doggie walks, they produce a
surprising amount of bacteria-filled waste, as much as 150 tons a day in
Washington alone.
The Department of Ecology reminds us that all this waste can contaminate
waterways and make us sick.
Remember to take along a plastic bag on your next walk and dispose of the
waste appropriately.
At home, clean up near wells, storm drains, ditches and waterways. Don't be
tempted to throw your pet's business over the fence, especially if there is
a storm drain or waterway nearby. And always remove animal waste from areas
where children play.
____________________________________________________________________________
Office of Communication and Education Ecology's Home Page:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov
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