Dog poop is a contaminant and needs to be picked up year-round. If the reasons aren't obvious, here are some facts:
- It isn’t fertilizer. Cow manure (a good fertilizer) is very different from dog poop (not at all a fertilizer) because of the difference in diets.
- It can contain E. Coli, Giardia, and other germs that can make people and pets sick. During rain or snow melt, pet waste left on trails, sidewalks, and grassy areas can wash into streams, lakes, and wetlands, contaminating surface water. It also adds nitrogen, which reduces oxygen in the water for fish and other animals.
- No one likes to step in pet waste. It’s a matter of respect for your community. Your neighbors will appreciate your good manners.
- It’s the law. Section 6-1 of the Golden Valley City Code prohibits allowing an animal to defecate on public property, or the private property of another, without immediately removing it and discarding it in a sanitary manner. Proper disposal doesn’t include leaving bagged dog poop along trails, near stop signs, on park picnic tables, under or hanging from trees, etc.
For more information, reference the Golden Valley City Code here.