Pet Waste

Clean up after your critter! Dog poop can contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. Don't leave it in the park, on your neighbor's lawn or on your own lawn. Pet waste can quickly make waterways unhealthy. You may think that one pile doesn’t matter but there are lots of pets in Independence. If everyone does their part, we can stop the spread of harmful bacteria and disease.

Every time it rains the potential exists for thousands of pounds of pet waste to wash down storm drains and into streams, rivers and lakes. If not disposed of properly, pet waste flows directly into nearby streams and creeks without being treated at wastewater treatment facilities.

Pet waste contains nutrients that encourage excess weed and algae growth. This water then becomes cloudy and green — unattractive for swimming, boating and fishing. Excess nutrients are a major cause of water quality decline. When pet waste is washed into lakes and streams, the waste decays, using up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with warm temperatures can kill fish and other aquatic life.

Pet waste can contain bacteria and viruses that threaten the health of animals and people, especially children. It can also contain chemicals from medicines such as flea tablets which can kill aquatic life. A recent USGS study of streams and creeks in the Kansas City region showed that bacteria associated with pet waste was the source of approximately one-quarter of the bacteria in samples collected from local waterways. Pets, children playing outside, and adults gardening are most at risk for infection from some of the bacteria and parasites found in pet waste. Diseases that can be transmitted from pet waste include the following:

• Salmonellosis: the most common bacterial infection transmitted to humans by other animals. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Toxocariasis: roundworms usually transmitted from dogs to humans, often without noticeable symptoms, but may cause vision loss, a rash, fever or cough. 
• Toxoplasmosis: a parasite carried by cats that can cause birth defects if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, and can also be a problem for people with depressed immune systems.

Pet waste is one of the components of non-point source pollution that contributes to water quality problems, and is one that each of us can help correct.

Pet waste should never enter storm drains and surface water. Pet owners can help keep our water clean:

• Pick up pet waste from your yard. It is not a fertilizer.
• Carry disposable bags while walking your dog to pick up and dispose of waste properly.
• If you dispose of pet waste in the trash, wrap it carefully to avoid spillage during collection.
• Flush your pet’s waste down the toilet, so it can be treated at a sewage treatment plant. (Cat litter should never be flushed.)
• Bury pet waste in your yard, at least 12 inches deep and cover with at least eight inches of soil to let it decompose slowly. Bury the waste in several different locations and keep it away from vegetable gardens.