Tuesday, 9 September 2008
| 11ºC – Fair
| Telephone: 02 9777 1000
It is the responsibility of owners to clean up after their dog if it leaves waste in public areas. Dog poo on roads, footpaths and parks is a common source of complaint to Council.
When it rains, anything lying around (including dog poo!) gets washed down the stormwater drains and into the nearest creek. It ends up in either Middle Harbour or the Lane Cove River. There is a high level of nutrients in dog poo, and this contributes to toxic algal blooms and aquatic weeds in our waterways. These blooms and weeds harm the marine organisms that keep our creeks healthy. Plus, dog droppings contain bacteria that can be harmful to people. They can contain infectious roundworm eggs that can cause serious illnesses.
When walking your dog carry bags to collect your dog’s droppings and put them in the bin. Don’t let your dog out unsupervised or let it poo on your neighbour’s lawn. Take responsibility for your animal; it’s something that comes along with pet ownership.
Council’s Rangers can fine owners who don’t clean up after their dog. The Companion Animals Act dictates a $275 fine for failing to remove dog faeces.