Pride In Franklin Lakes Is Picking Up After Your Dog
As I was walking the path from the Muni fields to the Old Mill Woodlands tennis courts, I noticed that the path is covered in dog poop. How disappointing it is to see that our residents who own dogs are not cleaning up after their pets. Our walking paths and parks are beautiful and for all to enjoy, so please pick up after your dog(s), or, if you see someone who's not following the rule, please remind them to scoop their dogs poop. We have waste stations on both sides of the path for you to dispose of your filled dog bags. The Mayors Wellness Campaign also has doggie collection bags to hand out, so stop by the Rec office and pick one up! Thank you for helping to keep our parks and paths clean.
- Dog poop carries contaminants. Bacteria and diseases from pet waste can be transmitted to people and other pets. Bacteria, parasites, and pathogens in dog feces and contaminate soil and get washed into waterways.
- It's just gross. Would you like to see and smell piles of feces on a daily basis? Or accidentally step in a pile and end up tracking it into your car or home? No? Then don't do it to others. Picking up after your dog isn't only the responsible thing to do, it's also the polite thing to do.
- It's the law. In many municipalities, dog owners are expressly required to clean up after their pets. Dog bags are cheap , portable, and widely available (or just use plastic bags from the grocery store).
- Be a good pet ambassador. There is always a lot of 'pushback' from individuals or community groups who don't want dogs allowed in venues around town, including parks. Some will even lobby to get rid of current dog parks due to the overwhelming number of owners who refuse to clean up after their dogs. Likewise, pet-friendly hotels struggle with guests who won't do the polite thing and pick up after their dogs - a disgusting sight for other guests to see and smell, and a reason for hotels to stop allowing pets. Be a good ambassador for dog owners: pick up after your dog, immediately and consistently.