Dog excrement on the streets is one of the most unpleasant problems in the urban environment. Not only does it spoil the appearance and make people uncomfortable, but it is also a health and environmental hazard. Dog feces can contain disease-causing microorganisms in humans as well as being a potential reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The problem of dog feces has become increasingly urgent in light of the dramatic increase in the number of dog owners during the pandemic. According to some sources, the problem has only gotten worse in recent years. But what can be done to solve the problem?
Where is the dog poop problem more common?
According to the study, dog handling is much more common in parks where dogs are allowed to go down without a leash and in areas close to parking lots. The presence of litter garbage cans, path morphology, visibility and location of the path are key factors in determining the occurrence of dog feces.
In addition, some dog walkers are too “proud to pick up,” while others make contextual judgments about where and when to leave dog feces. Others are “aloof” dog walkers who “don’t pick up the phone even though they know the health and environmental consequences.”
What’s dangerous about dog poop?
Dog feces can contain disease-causing microorganisms in humans, such as salmonella, E. coli, giardia and internal parasites. In addition, dog feces can be a potential reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can lead to hard-to-treat bacterial infections in humans through contact with dog feces.
A recent study in Sydney also found that dog feces flushed into stormwater contributed significantly to water pollution.
What can be done to solve the problem?
One way to solve the problem is to install waste disposal stations on popular dog walking routes. Alternatively, keeping dogs on a leash between parking lots and off-leash areas could be suggested.
However, this won’t help if you have a neighbor who lets his dog out to relieve himself in the nature lane (or in your yard), or people who walk their dogs without garbage bags.
It’s important to realize that each of us can do our part to help solve this problem. Don’t leave dog poop in the street and make sure you walk your dog in places where it is allowed. If you encounter a dog poop problem in your neighborhood, contact your local government or community for help.
