HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Scoop on Pet Poop
Pick it up for our local waters:
People love walking pets near the water.
Unfortunately, pet waste contains disease
causing pollutants and bacteria. If left on
the ground, rainstorms wash these
wastes into the Peconic Estuary, Long
Island Sound, or the Atlantic Ocean.
There the bacteria cause water quality
issues and are often absorbed by the fish
and shellfish we like to eat.
Pet wastes are also high in nutrients.
Adding too many nutrients to the
Estuary can cause harm to eelgrass,
cause harmful algal blooms, and lead to
low oxygen levels in the water making it
uninhabitable for many plants and
animals.
Pick it up for our health:
These contaminants in local waters can
lead to shellfishing closures and/or
swimming closures, because if we eat
contaminated food, or swim in
contaminated water, we can get sick!
Pet waste can make the local beach
unclean and unsanitary for people to
play and enjoy.
Pick it up for the community:
Its also just the considerate thing to do.
You don’t like stepping in it and your
neighbors certainly don’t either!
The Scoop on Pet Poop!
Please pick up after your pets!
How?
•Bring plastic bags with you when you walk
your dog (such as old bread bags, newspaper
bags, veggie bags, etc.).
•Tie bags to your dogs leash so you don’t
forget them.
•Tie the filled bag and drop it in the trash, bury the waste, or flush it if you are
connected to a sewer system.
•Look into purchasing a pet waste composter, but don’t mix pet waste in with your
regular compost.
•Take advantage of bag dispensers and talk to your town or village representatives
about making sure they are continually stocked and added in all pet frequented
locations (preferably with garbage pails nearby).
•Also share bags and information with other pet owners you meet.
Why?
There are at least 6000 dogs living on the East End. On average one dog creates
about 1/2 a pound of waste per day. That means our local environment receives at
least 3000 pounds of pet waste per day! It all adds up, so its important to pick it up
every time. Also be aware of local “pooper scooper” regulations that prohibit
leaving pet waste where it lies.
www.EastEndEnvironment.org
Make sure to sco
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poop every sing
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!
Do your part to keep our community and local
waters clean and healthy!
Tell your fri
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s
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o
scoop the p
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p
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!