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Droppings from dogs, cats, and other commonly kept animals, such as
exotic birds, rabbits, goats, and chickens, can be troublesome in two ways.
First, pet wastes contain nutrients that can promote the growth of algae if
wastes enter streams, lakes, and estuaries. Second, animal droppings contain
bacteria that can cause disease. The risk of stormwater contamination
increases if pet wastes are allowed to accumulate in animal pen areas or
left on sidewalks, streets, driveways, or drainage ways from which they can
be carried along the stormwater superhighway to water bodies. Instead of
allowing pet wastes to accumulate or sending them to a landfill, consider
flushing the wastes down the toilet or burying them. Manufacturers have
produced a pet waste digester, which they claim to be effective. Some
communities may have restrictions on disposing of pet waste. Check with your
local health department for any limitations in your area.
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Which answer best
describes how you handle pet and animal wastes?
a.
Animal and pet wastes are flushed down the
toilet; buried away from gardens, wells, ditches, or areas where children
play; digested in an in-ground pet waste digester; or wrapped and placed in
the garbage for disposal.*
b.
Animal wastes are left to decompose on grass or soil. Wastes are scattered
over a wide area.
c.
Animal wastes are left on paved surfaces, concentrated in pen or yard areas,
or dumped down a storm drain or in a ditch; OR do not know.
*Be sure to check local regulations
regarding flushing, burying, or landfilling pet and animal wastes. |