National Scoop the Poop Week

There are environmental and health risks when you don't pick up after your pet

(PRWEB)Chicago - March 15, 2004 -- With the winter thaw past and spring time almost upon us it is time to think about picking up all the dog waste that has been left behind. Starting the day after "National Sense of Smell Day" (April 26) comes "National Scoop the Poop week"(April 27 - May 3). With the popularity of dogs increasing so has the problems of dog waste. Most city dwellers have seen and perhaps even smelled, a winters' accumulation of dog waste in such common areas as school yards, parks, alleys and even on sidewalks. With so many dog owners not cleaning up it has become more than a minor inconvenience. In addition to being unsightly, canine waste not only attacks our senses with offensive odors, but attracts rodents and insects (which carry their own diseases), and worse, leaves humans and their dogs vulnerable to the threat of salmonella, worms and parasites who unknowingly come into contact with the waste.

There are not only potential health risks involved but also environmental issues that need to be addressed. When dog waste is not picked up and properly disposed of, it can wash into nearby bodies of water or carried by runoff into lakes and streams, untreated dog waste can become a significant source of runoff pollution.

A second environmental issue to consider is the use of plastic bags when picking up after our dogs. Plastic takes on average 300 years to degrade. Plastic bags that are used also tend to end up in municipality sewer systems, blocking the system. There are now many biodegradable alternatives available.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends cleaning up after your pet at least once a week. Taking precautionary safety measures and disposing of your dogs waste can prevent infections in both humans and their dogs.

Diane Rossi, owner of Have Doggie, We'll Doo! a professional canine waste management company in Chicago says "consider these numbers - 4 tons of dog waste from 200,000 dogs ends up on the streets of Paris on a daily basis". Two - three days of accumulation from 100 dogs would contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close 1 20 square miles of beaches.

For Biodegradable bags, service or educational matarial please contact;

Diane Rossi - 773-286-4727

www.masterscoopers.com

diane@masterscoopers.com

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