Here’s Why Doggy Doo Doo In Casper Is A Big Problem

Last week, I was walking on a sidewalk and nearly stepped in a big ol pile of doggy doo-doo. I don't have a dog, so I know for sure it wasn't my responsibility. Having a pet comes with great responsibility, and most people handle the situation with pride. It's those people who don't that give pet owners a bad name.

I'm sure if your dog had thumbs, they would certainly help the situation and clean up after themselves. They don't have thumbs, so the responsibility lies with you. The argument, "What about wildlife poo?" doesn't work either; the diet of a wild animal is quite different from that of your dog, and they don't have a human helper to scoop the poop.

Doggy Doo is a bigger issue than just me almost stepping in it. Dog poo carries health concerns; one stink pile contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and nasty viruses that can affect people and other animals. A steaming pile is also a threat to the environment; when it rains or snows, the water eventually ends up in the North Platte River. Along the way, it picks up the nastiness that's associated with each nugget of excrement, which in turn can affect the safety of the water.

As if those issues weren't enough to convince you to pick up the poo, you could also receive a fine of $110. Think about how many times your pup squats in the grass over the course of a week; those fines could rack up quickly.

If you have a dog and live in the City of Casper, Wyoming, you need to be aware of City Ordinance 6.04.90. This ordinance requires you to clean up after your pup.

A. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a dog, cat or other animal to keep his/her property reasonably free and clear of feces and urine to prevent offensive odors or unsanitary conditions in the enclosures or the surrounding areas where the animal are allowed. There shall not be an unusable unreasonable number of flies and there shall be no maggots. waste.  Discarding feces waste on any public or private property shall be considered a violation of this  section.

 

B. The owner of every dog, cat, or other animal is responsible for the removal of any  excreta deposited by his/her animal on public walks, recreation areas, or private property other  than that of the owner;. however, this requirement shall not apply to an owner who is visually or physically handicapped to the extent that the person is incapable of, or at physical risk, in  complying with this subparagraph.
C. The owners and/or occupiers of property are responsible for the removal of any excreta  deposited on public walks, ways and areas by birds occupying or roosting on the owner or  occupier's property

Casper's Scoop the Poop program offers suggestions of what to doo and not doo.

Doo

• Always carry poo bags with you on walks and anytime you're out with your pup.
• Pick up doo doo every time they poo.
• Throw the poo bag into a trash container.
• Spread the poo...I mean word...to other pet owners.

Doo Not

• Leave any poo behind. You know you saw your dog stop and squat, so pick it up.
• Get slapped with a $110 fine.
• Be a bad neighbor.
• Be part of the reason the river becomes polluted.
• Be the reason I step in poo.