Griffith City Council and the Tidy Towns Working Group are reminding local dog owners to pick up their animals’ droppings, especially on the walking tracks around Griffith.
Group chairperson Cr Pat Cox says dog poo is a serious litter issue that provokes a passionate reaction from the community.
"Not only is it a potential health and environmental concern, it decreases the aesthetic appeal of Griffith’s walkways, footpaths and sporting grounds,” she says.
If avoiding a $275 fine isn’t enough incentive for residents to pick up dog poo; the council is reminding locals that animal faeces can be washed into the stormwater system, resulting in contamination of water supplies.
The council’s Environmental Health Officer Abby Smith says dog waste can be harmful to other dogs, wildlife and people, due to the parasites they may carry if they’re not wormed regularly.
“Roundworm is a good example of a parasite that can be passed from dogs to humans,” she says.
“Faecal matter can also increase the spread of the deadly canine parvo-virus.
"We have many dog owners who are role models in our community but there are still those who are seriously lacking in this critical area of responsible pet ownership.”
Perfumed bags and dispensers that clip onto dog leads can be purchased at pet and discount stores allowing easy disposal into street litter bins or residential garbage bins.
