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
e-mail protected from spam
bots
# # #
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/3/prweb110717.htm