Picking up after your pets: A small action that protects our environment

As more residents enjoy walking their dogs around town, it’s important to remember that picking up after our pets is about more than being courteous, it’s also about protecting public health and the environment.

When dog waste is left on the ground or disposed of in storm drains, rainfall can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Unlike wastewater from our homes, stormwater is not treated before it enters local waterways. As a result, pet waste can contribute to water pollution and make recreational areas less safe for people and wildlife.

Dog waste contains microorganisms that can negatively impact water quality and the environment. With millions of dogs across the country producing millions of tons of waste each year, even small amounts left behind can add up quickly. The longer waste remains on the ground, the greater the chance it will be washed into storm drains and nearby water bodies.

Picking up after your dog is a simple action that makes a meaningful difference. Please remember to bring a waste bag when walking your pet, properly dispose of waste in the trash, and help keep Dunstable’s parks, trails, neighborhoods, and waterways clean for everyone to enjoy.