It’s a gorgeous day, so you decide to talk a walk outside. You get halfway down the street when you hear a squish and smell something funny, there it is – dog poop! Nothing ends a nice walk quite as quickly as stepping in poop.
Don’t get me wrong, I love dogs as much as the next person but not every owner cleans up after their pets like they should. Not only is it irresponsible, it’s unhealthy and bad for the environment.
There is a good chance that if left on the street or lawn, a dog’s waste (which can contain various bacteria and viruses) could make its way in the water table. A heavy rainstorm and spring run-off can easily carry the waste into streams and rivers, and any waste that ends up in storm sewers usually flows directly into a body of water without being treated. It can also cause illness in other animals and in people. Dog waste contains a long list of bad bugs, including adenovirus, parvovirus, giardia, coccidian, roundworm, and tapeworm.
In an effort to teach pets and their owners/caretakers the Philadelphia Water Department is holding a contest to find a “doggie ambassador” to help spread the word about the danger that dog waste poses to Philly’s waterways.
If you want to have a say in which of our four-legged friends are picked to be the new “doggie ambassadors” for Fishtown and Washington Square West, click here. Judges will select the top dog based on friendly nature, best canine smile, charm, and natural spokesdog abilities. You can vote from now until August 31.
