Why it is bad for water quality?

Contrary to popular belief, pet waste is not a good fertilizer for the environment. Pet owners who do not pick up after their animals are allowing harmful bacteria to enter the environment. Many animals, whether pet owners realize it or not, carry diseases that are spread by feces and can contaminate waterbodies used by aquatic life and humans. Some of the common diseases spread by animals include: campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidium, toxocariasis, and toxoplasmosis.

What can we do to reduce or prevent storm water pollution?

There are many simple things we can do to prevent storm water pollution and help protect the water quality of our local waterbodies, although the number of pollutants might seem overwhelming. By incorporating simple, daily changes in our routine or activities, preventing storm water pollution will not seem like such a dramatic change to our lifestyle.

Waste from livestock, horses or other large animals must be cleaned from uncovered areas at least twice a week and disposed of in either a sewer system or composted.

Carry a pooper scooper and a baggy to pick up pet waste so it can be thrown into a garbage can, a toilet or buried in the backyard.

Make sure your pet is vaccinated regularly. This will help prevent the spread of diseases.

Spay or neuter your pet if you do not want more animals. Preventing the increase of undomesticated animals will help curb diseases and waste from entering our waterbodies. Contact our local Humane Society at 760-757-4357 for more information, or visit their website at www.nchumane.org.

What do the laws say about pet waste?

It is illegal to leave your pet waste lying on the ground -- you must pick up after your pet.