Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 30/99) - Taking a stroll on a sunny spring evening isn't always a pleasure, especially when you spend most of your time dodging dog feces as though you're playing hopscotch.

As the snow melts, the winter's hidden secrets are revealed -- six months of unattended dog defecation. Besides being unpleasant and smelly, this is breaking a bylaw.

Const. Larry Weber confirms the bylaw states that everyone has to clean up immediately after their dog, except on their own private property. The penalty cannot exceed $2,000, and the voluntary penalty for a first-time offender is $75.

"People are just inconsiderate when they don't pick up after their dogs," says Weber.

"They take their dogs along the trails and let them run around and defecate wherever. It can be difficult to monitor, since we can't have an officer around every corner. "And if you see someone not picking up after their dog, most people won't say anything, since dog owners can get upset and it doesn't seem worth the confrontation."

And if you still aren't convinced that you should pick up after your dog, consider the possible health risks associated with having such a large amount of feces in public areas.

"There is a risk of being exposed to some of the contaminants carried in dog feces," says Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, regional medical health officer with the Stanton Regional Health Board.

"Dog feces can carry tapeworms, bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella and parasites. These can be transferred to humans through direct contact, such as getting feces on your hands and touching your mouth or your eyes.

"It can be a risk for children especially, since when the snow, which contains the feces, melts, puddles and soil in playgrounds and other areas can be contaminated. If children play in the puddles or soil and then put their hands in their mouths or eyes, they could get sick," says Sutcliffe.

Scooping only takes a moment, and although you have to carry a warm plastic bags for a few blocks at the most, it could save money, avoid any health risks, and make the city's walking areas less like a mine field.