Stormwater carries pet waste to our waterways. While the sight and smell are unpleasant, pet waste is also a health risk to pets and people, especially children. Like human waste, animal waste may contain harmful bacteria and viruses, making the water unfit for irrigation, recreation, or other uses. Pet waste also contains nutrients that accelerate the growth of nuisance algae. Algae can be harmful to aquatic life because it robs the water of oxygen.
If you don't own a dog...
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If you own a dog or cat...
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Scoop the poop and:
Flush it
Toss it in the trash, or
Bury it (at least 6" deep and away from gardens and water sources)
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Put a Scoop the Poop sign in your yard to encourage neighbors to clean up. (Call 512-974-2550 for your sign)
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Notify the Parks and Recreation Department at 512-974-6700 if the Scoop the Poop box in your City park is empty.
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The City of Austin's pet waste ordinance:
DEFECATION BY
DOGS OR CATS
It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to promptly remove and dispose of , in a sanitary manner, feces left by a dog or cat being handled by that person on a property, public or private, other than the premises of the owner or handler of such dog or cat.
Maximum fine: $500
Copies of the Green Neighbor
booklet are available
at all Austin libraries.
For additional information, call 974-2550.
