The poo dilemma

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz with friends.

The JOLT News Staff

Ahh. The all too relatable saga of dogs pooping in public spaces and on neighbors' lawns, those nice green and manicured lawns.

I would be really amazed if at least one time in your life you have not stepped in dog poop. For Trish, it's from her own three dogs most of the time. For Thom, it's Trish's three dogs most of the time. If anyone can find a nice little present from one of my dogs, it's Thom.  I can go on poop patrol, and he will find the one I didn’t see.

Most people think of dog poo simply as a nuisance, but pet waste that is left on streets, pavement, lawns and trails can be picked up by stormwater run-off and carried to surrounding watersheds through storm drains, potentially introducing harmful bacteria and parasites into the environment.

Additionally, dog waste can also pose significant health risks to humans and animals. Dog waste can contain a range of pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella and parvovirus, which can be transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, water or air. These pathogens can cause illnesses from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to life-threatening diseases.

This problem is most often addressed through adoption of provisions that make the pet owner responsible for removing pet waste on public or private property other than the premises of the owner, of course.

Some communities, (especially those with a Homeowners Association) make it a violation for pet owners to fail to have in their possession the supplies necessary to remove animal waste. I would say having a bag filled with doggie bags, gloves and sanitizing wipes is quite sufficient.  

In Thurston County, there are specific ordinances regarding dog waste on both public and private property. Owners are required to remove dog waste from the property promptly. Failure to do so can result in an infraction. Refer to the “Thurston County Code of Ordinances” for more detailed information.  

So, make sure you take a few minutes before heading outdoors with your four-legged friend to know all applicable laws and regulations specific to your location. It’s really very simple though. If you are respectful of public and private property and a good neighbor, then you are good to go.

There are several ways to dispose of your dog's waste. A pet owner can use biodegradable bags, which will breakdown organic matter over time. Purchase compost bins designed specifically for pet waste which will help turn your pup's poop into nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants within a few weeks.

You just need to add soil or sawdust and let nature do its work, not only does this get rid of pet waste quickly, but it also provides some nice extra nutrients to help keep your garden looking lush year-round.

Another popular way is to flush it down the toilet.  However, some people simply choose to bury their pet's waste on their property, providing it's away from any major bodies of water or streams/rivers due to potential pollution risks.  

The first step to properly cleaning up after your pup is to make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. It helps to keep a bag filled with doggy bags (preferably biodegradable), gloves and wipes.   Always sanitize your hands afterward and don't forget about Fido's paws either if they like exploring outside.

Another benefit to regularly cleaning up after your pooch, is it reduces their exposure to parasites like roundworm or whipworm eggs present in fecal matter, which could otherwise cause them discomfort and illness through ingestion or contact with their skin or fur.

Additionally, it prevents other animals from encountering these organisms. Always use designated poo-bagging stations provided by municipalities wherever possible. This ensures proper disposal without causing environmental damage.   

So, in conclusion it all boils down to being both a good neighbor and a responsible pet owner, while respecting people's property and public spaces.

Individuals who choose not to respect other people's property give all pet owners a bad name because they will think we are all a bunch of poop.

Paws for thoughts 

In our Aug. 5 column titled “Of Moles and Men,” we touched upon several options as a deterrent of which most were nonlethal with the lethal ones prohibited by RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 77.15.192 & RCW 77.15.194.

A lawn with gopher traps, as seen at a state agency.

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz | For The JOLT News

We were then surprised to drive by a state agency that had six lethal traps clearly visible which made us look more in depth at these RCWs. Under the definitions of RCW 77.15.192 we found: 

1. “Animal” means any nonhuman vertebrate 
2. “Body-gripping trap” means a trap that grips an animal’s body or body part. Body-gripping traps include, but are not limited to, steel-jawed leghold traps ... neck snares and non-strangling foot snares. 
3. “Animal problem” means any animal that threatens or damages timber or private property. 

OK, pretty self-explanatory. But then we read RCW 77.15.194. 

Unlawful traps penalty

4(b) Nothing in this section prohibits the “Director” from granting a special permit to use traps listed in this subsection to a person who establishes an animal problem that has not been and cannot be reasonably abated by the use of nonlethal control tools. 

Well, that explains that. 

Editor's note: This column has been updated to remove a reference related to flushable bags.