My mind turned to this issue very recently, as trees came crashing down, and chaos reigned in Vancouver. People were warned not to venture outside, as it was just so dangerous.
Same thing in a big snowstorm, or when the Great Floods happen. I tend to think of two things at times like those...
- Would the dogs just hold it and stay in for as long as the emergency lasted? Could be a few days.
- How would you and the dogs get down those emergency stairs? Do you go recklessly into danger, or is there another solution?
This was one of those really random thoughts that come into your mind sometimes.
Most of the dogs around here seem to have their own free standing homes for toileting activities, but what about dogs and their owners who live in apartments?
What happens to the poo?
Right on the heels of that thought comes another. What happens to all that poop if and when the dog owner picks it up? Does it go in the garbage? I doubt that many actually carefully put it down the toilet. There are all the plastic bags too, that they use to contain the excreta. Plastic bags in our oceans and landfills have become one of the greatest threats to our future.
Most landfills do not officially or knowingly accept feces of any kind. This is because once they're in the landfill they do not decompose, but they do contaminate water, and they are the source of methane gas. But even though they can introduce dangerous pathogens, really, once they're in that garbage, who's to know? A lot of environmental responsibility falls on the shoulders of their owners.
Some things you should know
This is an amazing, and as you can imagine, very serious and increasing problem. There are more dogs than children by far in apartment blocks. The wanton disregard of dog owners has forced landlords to now have up front payment for a doggie DNA test when they move in, and hefty fines for a dog owner if their animal is the culprit of non-scooped poop.
Have a look...
Dog-poop DNA tests nail non-scoopers
Doggie poo is 3rd or 4th on the list of major bacterial water contaminants
It's estimated that 20-30% of all pollutants occurring in waterways are actually from dog poo; from sewer runoff to defecating on the beach and near streams.
Not all so-called biodegradable bags meet the national grading system, started in California and spreading to all states.
What's the best way then?
And this site will also add to your knowledge about the importance of flushing vs plastic bags in the garbage: Flushdoggy.com
Warning: If they don't say "flushable" you can't flush them!
- If you have a vermiculture composting system, that works well. Those little worms will deal with anything, and it's not as gross as it sounds.
- You can buy special composters for this purpose, often at your pet store. Check out this site: Uniquedistributors.com
But please, don't use your home garden composter for this purpose. It's not safe, and it's very smelly.
Be glad for our environment ☺
I wonder if you'd have thought of this wonderful way to recycle it though? Read all about it here: new.poopoopaper.com
This article has actually been fermenting inside me for some while now, but my resolve and inspiration to actually give you the dirt on this topic after thinking about it came from an article by my colleague and friend, Angela Mobley, who bills herself as the Guru of Poop.
Thank you, Angie.
Thanks for the visit and wishing you a safe and happy weekend,
Vicki