Update 1/25/2011 Ten thousand stickers were designed and printed by Lynnhaven River Now and the Virginia Beach SPCA. These stickers will be placed on trash receptacles as as reminders to dog owners to clean up after their pet.The Virginia Beach SPCA, together with Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation and other partners, is pleased to announce an innovative, humorous, and, we hope, attention getting campaign to remind our friends and neighbors that Poop Pollutes.
We at the SPCA love all animals, but we don't love their poop. Sadly, too many people allow their animals to defecate in our neighborhoods, yards and parks, and do not pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. We talk about responsible animal care to our adopters, and the city has posted signs, but those efforts have not been far reaching enough.
The Poop Pollutes campaign will be widespread, broadly supported and eye-catching. We are looking forward to the widest possible distribution of Poop Pollutes posters. We hope to create a corps of volunteers, maybe even our junior volunteer corps, to wear Poop Pollutes t-shirts around town.
We hope you and your organization will become a partner in the effort to teach the people of Virginia Beach that Poop Pollutes.
POOP POLLUTES...
The land...
Pet waste contains bacteria and parasites. Diseases that can be spread from pet waste include --
The water...
Pet waste degrades water quality leading to cloudy, green water from accelerated algae and weed growth, objectionable odors, and dead fish and other organisms. Up to one fourth of the fecal coliform in the polluted Lynnhaven River is from pet waste. Pet waste left in yards as far away as Green Run eventually reaches the city's historic waterway.
The air...
In addition to odors, flies and other pest insects can also increase when pet waste is disposed of improperly, becoming a nuisance and adding another vector for disease transmission. Communities...Finally, pet waste pollutes friendships.
Poop Pollutes
Neighborhoods. Friendships. The Beach. Parks and school yards.
Lakes and streams. Even the Lynnhaven River.
Scoop the Poop. Save the River.
Purchase a Poop Pollutes Baggie Dispenser
Our attractive Poop Pollutes bag dispenser boxes are available for $25 each, which just covers materials cost. They are made from treated lumber and the lid is covered with roofing tile to protect from the elements. They feature a metal sign that encourages people to pick up after their pets and outlines the penalty for doing otherwise. Boxes are refillable using grocery or newspaper bags. To order, email outreach@vbspca.com. Delivery/shipping/installation not included in price.
What To Do With Poop
(In Case You Are Ever Asked!)
Pick it up: Clean up after your dog every single time whether in your own yard or your neighbors'! Carry extra bags when walking your dog and make them available to other pet owners who are without. Fashionable doggie bag holders are available at www.k9justincase.com.
Flush it: Pet waste can be flushed down the toilet. The water from the toilet goes either to a septic system onsite or a sewage treatment plant that removes most pollutants before the water reaches its outlet. Used litter should be disposed of in a securely closed bag in the trash.
Treat it: Consider an underground pet waste digester in the yard -- check your local pet supply store or go to www.doggiedooley.com.
Trash it: Putting pet waste in the trash beats leaving it on the street, but it's not the best solution. Waste can contribute to the landfill problems.
Leave it to a pro: K-9 Connection (572-1402), Beyond the Call of Doodee (631-1396 or 270-8673), Doody Calls (469-3679), Doggie Doodles (689-4334), Tidewater Scoopers (589-2220), Pet Valet of Virginia Beach (721-6005), and Poo Busters (618-7099) are seven local companies who will completely remove the waste from your yard and dispose of it themselves, for a fee.