Top Four Reasons Why Scooping Poop is Essential for Atlanta’s People & Pets

Why Scooping Poop is Essential for Atlanta’s People & Pets

I recently saw a meme that reminded pet parents that it’s their “duty to pick up doody.” The meme made me giggle and made me think about how much of an impact unmanaged dog waste can have on the environment and community. As a thriving metropolis with a significant pet population, Atlanta faces unique challenges when it comes to managing dog waste. While it may seem like an inconvenience, failing to pick up after your dog can have far-reaching consequences. Here are the top four reasons why scooping poop is essential for Atlanta’s people and pets.

1. Environmental Protection

Atlanta’s natural beauty, including its parks, rivers, and green spaces, is one of its most cherished assets. Uncollected dog waste poses a serious threat to these environments.

When left on the ground, dog feces can be washed into storm drains during rainfall, eventually making its way into local waterways like the Chattahoochee River. This introduces harmful bacteria, parasites, and excess nutrients into our water systems, leading to several problems:

– Algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels in water bodies
– Contamination of drinking water sources
– Harm to aquatic life and ecosystems

By picking up after your dog, you’re actively contributing to the preservation of Atlanta’s natural beauty and the health of its ecosystems. You can learn more about water safety here. And, if anyone ever tells you that poop makes for good fertilizer, don’t believe them. You can learn more about why that’s just a myth here.

2. Public Health Protection

Dog waste is more than just an unsightly nuisance; it’s a significant public health hazard. Left uncollected, it can harbor various pathogens that pose risks to humans and other animals:

– Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella
– Parasites such as roundworms and hookworms
– Zoonotic diseases that can affect humans and other animals

Children playing in parks or yards are particularly vulnerable to these health risks; as are those who garden in urban and suburban areas. Moreover, dog waste can attract rats and other pests, exacerbating urban pest control challenges. For this reason, proper disposal of dog waste is crucial in maintaining public health standards and preventing the spread of diseases in our community.

Highly contagious diseases like Giardia, Parvovirus, Campylobacter and more can be spread from dog to dog through their feces, resulting in vet bills, long recoveries, and, in some cases, even death.

3. Community Enjoyment

Atlanta prides itself on its welcoming, diverse communities. Picking up after your dog is a simple yet powerful way to show respect for your neighbors and contribute to the overall quality of life in the city.

Leaving dog waste on sidewalks, in parks, or on neighbors’ lawns is not just unsightly; it’s a sign of disregard for shared spaces. It can lead to:

– Unpleasant odors in public areas
– Reduced enjoyment of parks and recreational spaces
– Potential conflicts between dog owners and non-dog owners

By consistently cleaning up after your pet, you’re demonstrating good citizenship and helping to maintain positive relationships within your community. This small act of consideration goes a long way in fostering a clean, welcoming environment for all Atlantans to enjoy.

4. Compliance with Local Regulations

Atlanta and neighboring jurisdictions have specific regulations requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets in public spaces. What more compelling reason does one need than, ‘it’s the law?!’

According to Atlanta’s Code of Ordinances (Sec. 110-70), it is unlawful for any person owning or having custody of a dog to allow the dog to defecate upon any sidewalk, gutter, street, lot, public park, or other public area without immediately removing the feces. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $1,000.

These regulations are in place to maintain public health standards and ensure the cleanliness of our city. By adhering to these laws, you’re not only avoiding potential fines but also contributing to the enforcement of community standards that benefit everyone.

Picking up after your dog in Atlanta is more than just a courtesy. By making this simple act a habit during dog walks or when at a dog park, you’re playing a vital role in keeping Atlanta clean, healthy, and beautiful for all its residents, both two-legged and four-legged. Remember, a clean city starts with each of us doing our part, one scoop at a time.

Existing clients, please request dog walking and dog sitting services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com.