This comes in response to an increase in complaints, particularly from residents who continue to do the right thing, however, are left to encounter smelly surprises on their walks.
Council requires dog walkers to carry something suitable, such as a bag, to pick up what their dogs leave behind. Council provides dog waste bags in high use areas as a courtesy. Doggie Doo Bags are provided at the Port Broughton Dog Park to collect any “poop” left by dogs. Please ensure you do the right thing and pick up anything left by your dog.
Other members of the community must have the ability to use open space and recreation amenities without having their enjoyment impacted by dog faeces and other nuisances.
Doggy bags can be easily purchased. Doggy bags also can easily be remembered by tying them to your pet's lead or using a collar-clipped doggy bag holder. Failure to pick up after your dog is an offence and could attract a fine.
Council would like to remind pet owners some reasons to pick up after your dog. These include:
- The simple act of picking up after your dog can assist with removing harmful nutrients and bacteria from local waterways.
- Pet waste is a significant source of pollution and may contain harmful organisms such as Giardia, Parvovirus, Salmonella, and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals by ingesting contaminated water.
- Pet waste degrades slowly. It will eventually break down, but it’s a long process, and abandoned dog excrement tends to accumulate much faster than it takes to break down.
- Pet waste is not a fertiliser. Dog poo actually impedes landscaping efforts and kills grass if you let it sit out for too long.
For more information on responsible pet ownership in Barunga West, please visit:
https://www.barungawest.sa.gov.au/services/animal-management/dogs