Pet Waste Campaign Launched in Greenbelt

The City of Greenbelt Public Works Department, GHI’s Companion Animal Committee, and Prince George’s County Department of Environment have partnered up to remind dog owners to stop “poo-llution” by simply picking up or “scooping the poop” 100 percent of the time. On April 6, members from each partner organization attended the Pet Waste Summit to learn about the County's new Pet Waste Campaign, share best practices, and access resources to start our own local pet waste management program.

On April 27, the first tabling event on Ridge Road was a success in raising awareness and starting conversations about Greenbelt’s pet waste campaign. Dogs enjoyed free treats while their owners played an educational game and discussed some of the solutions available to help solve our challenges from pet waste. The outreach table and game were also displayed at the GHI Annual Meeting on May 11.

Greenbelt’s pet waste campaign encourages owners to throw out dog waste using a bio-degradable bag or flush waste down the toilet – don’t flush the bag though. Take multiple bags on walks, just in case. Avoid letting your dog do business within 200 feet of a water body. Additionally, don’t wait to scoop in your own yard – keep an eye out and scoop immediately every time. Never throw dog waste in a compost bin or down a storm drain. Volunteer to stencil storm drain inlets by contacting Prince George’s County Department of Environment at 301-883-5822.

What happens if you don’t scoop the poop? Pet waste is more than smelly and unsightly: it is a health risk to the environment, pets, and people, especially children. Whenever it rains, pet waste left on the ground gets flushed into the nearest storm drain, stream, river, lake, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. It adds unsafe levels of bacteria and nutrients to local waters when not disposed of properly, making our water unfit for irrigation, recreation, or other uses.

Furthermore, it is against the law in the City of Greenbelt and Prince George’s County to leave pet waste upon public or private property and could result in a municipal infraction. Refer to City Code Chapter 3, Sec. 3-66 Defecation; removal of excrement at http://www.greenbeltmd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/46. Likewise, the GHI Member Handbook states “no condition in violation of health and safety shall be allowed, e.g., pet feces must be promptly removed and properly disposed of.” The GHI Member Handbook reinforces “companion animal guardians/custodians shall keep their unit and yard clean and sanitary and promptly remove and dispose of feces deposited by their companion animal(s) in both their own and other members yards and common areas, including on sidewalks.”

Come have fun learning more about how dog owners can help reduce “poo-llution” from entering local waterways, keeping our citizens and pets healthy, and our yards and shoes clean. Greenbelt’s pet waste campaign is scheduled to return for another appearance during the Pet Expo at the Dog Park on June 3. Help spread the word, join our campaign and get others involved, installing pet disposal facilities, poop scoopers and other convenient items to encourage owners to clean up after their pets. Most importantly, always clean up after your dog on walks and remind others to do the same. After all, less pet waste on the ground means a happier and healthier watershed for all.