Jun 27, 2023 13:00:00

What is the reason why you should not leave your dog's droppings on the street?

Leaving dog droppings unattended not only causes bad odors, but can also cause various health hazards. Melissa Starling of the University of Sydney explains 'Why you shouldn't leave your dog's hun on the street.'

Is leaving dog poo in the street really so bad?

https://theconversation.com/is-leaving-dog-poo-in-the-street-really-so-bad-the-science-says-its-even-worse-than-you-think-207416

Due to the increased time spent at home due to the epidemic of the new coronavirus, the proportion of households welcoming pets is increasing, according to a 2021 survey conducted by animal medicine company

Animal Medicines Australia. , It is reported that about 69% of households in Australia have pets, and about 50% of households have at least one dog (PDF file) . In addition, it has become clear that the problem of feces is becoming more prominent as the number of dogs raised increases.

In addition to salmonella , Escherichia coli , Giardia , and parasites, it has been reported that dog feces may contain parasites, suggesting that these bacteria and microorganisms may pose a health hazard to humans. In addition, dog droppings are said to be a hotbed for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and when humans come into contact with these bacteria, there is a risk of developing bacterial infections that are difficult to treat.

In addition, a study conducted by the University of Technology, Sydney (PDF file) points out that dog droppings washed away by rainwater contribute to water pollution.

Dog droppings are generally found in parks where dogs are allowed to be off the lead, such as dog runs, and near parking lots. Most dog owners properly collect their own dogs when they poop without leaving them alone, but some owners say, ``I can't pick up the poop because my pride is too high.'' . It has also been

reported that some owners decide whether or not to collect their poop depending on where they dropped it. In addition, it has been pointed out that owners who leave dog droppings will not pick them up even if they know that dog droppings have an impact on health and the environment.

In response to this situation, it has been proposed to install garbage cans for dog droppings on popular walking courses, but for owners who do not routinely carry bags to dispose of dog droppings when walking, the garbage cans has been suggested to be of no use at all.

It's been believed that placing water bottles on the street will keep dogs from pooping, but no evidence has been found to show that water bottles are effective. Similarly, there is no evidence that commercially available defecation inhibitors for dogs are effective.

In addition, it is believed that placing a strong scented object will keep dogs, who have a very good sense of smell, from stopping to poop, but the scent will be blown away by the wind, so the effect is short-lived. . It has also been pointed out that it may cause other pollution or unintentionally adversely affect the ecosystem.

Educating owners is the key to improving the environmental damage and health problems caused by dog droppings. In order to ensure the collection of dog droppings, it is important not only to enforce regulations, but also for local communities to actively send out messages to thoroughly dispose of dog droppings.

Still, Mr. Sterling proposes that owners who do not carry bags and do not respond to collection of feces should put up a sign saying 'monitoring' and provide bags that can be used freely. In addition, Mr. Sterling says that the best way to handle dog feces is ``It is important to put it in a composter without leaving it or burying it and treating harmful substances.''