If it’s brown, flush it down

Diana Poitras, St. Columba parish administrator, is among many who want to see pet waste bylaws applied with more rigour–or for other solutions to be explored

I love animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, gerbils, hamsters – you name it. I appreciate the comfort, joy and laughter they bring us–not to mention their unconditional love. What I don’t love are irresponsible pet owners. In particular, those dog owners who think it is okay when disposing dog waste to leave it in any bin they pass on their walk home with Fido or Spot.

Bags of waste

Finding a bundle of dog waste on your property is not only a nuisance but it poses a hazard to health and the environment. I recently spotted two bags of dog waste on Manor Park Public School property fronting Hemlock Rd. This is not acceptable.

I believe that someone posted recently on the Manor Park Listserve about dog waste in a bin at the Rockcliffe branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Again, not acceptable.

According to the City of Ottawa’s website: “Dog waste is a public health hazard, takes the pleasure out of outdoor activities and pollutes the environment. Help improve public opinion of dogs and dog owners–make it a habit to pick up after your dog and to take the waste home to dispose of it on your own premises. The city encourages flushing pet waste down the toilet, as it will be properly treated at the sewage plant. Dog owners can also place the waste in their green bin as long as it is properly wrapped in absorbent paper and placed in a sealed, leak-proof bag. Failure to pick up after your dog is a by-law offence. Failure to take it home and dispose of it on your own premises is also an offence under the Animal Care and Control by-law.”

‘Stoop and scoop’

The City of Ottawa Animal Care and Control By-law No. 2003-077 states:

“Sections 37 to 41 – Stoop and scoop

Section 37

Every owner of a dog shall immediately remove any feces left by the dog in the city:

1. on a highway or roadway;
2. in a public park;
3. on any public property other than a public park; or
4. on any private property other than the property of:
   (a) the owner of the dog; or
   (b) the person having care, custody or control of the dog.
   Section 38
   Every owner of a dog shall dispose of any feces removed pursuant to Section 37 on his or her premises.
   Section 39
   Every owner of a dog shall remove from his or her premises, in a timely manner, feces left by such dog, so as not to disturb the enjoyment, comfort, convenience of any person in the vicinity of the premises.”

Illegal dumping

I’ve taken the path cutting through Manor Park. Every garbage receptacle there has a sign stating “No Animal Waste”. Yet, without exception, each of those receptacles has a collection of dog poop bags inside.

Dog walkers routinely leave poop bags at St. Columba Church. They place those ubiquitous bags in the blue bin, black bin, unlidded garbage bin and occasionally in the green bin. Church volunteers have to sort and dispose of it.

This is disrespectful, hazardous and, according to the city’s by-law, illegal.

So, what is the solution? Owners need to act responsibly when disposing dog waste. They should stoop, scoop and take it home to be flushed. Next step is for the city to step up and provide a better solution to the disposal of animal waste.

Again, according to the city’s website, “By-law Services staff is also currently working with Public Works and Services staff on identifying alternatives and determining costs and feasibility of placing special receptacles for pet waste in parks.”

At the time of writing, I have not yet contacted our Councillor’s office to find out the status of the “special receptacles” noted above. I will be doing so in the coming days and encourage each of you to do the same.