Despite repeated attempts the past several years to get more Mississauga dog owners to clean up after their pets in public places, city officials say the messy habit of not doing so continues to cause problems.
Citing a difficulty in enforcing the bylaw that deals with dog poop not being properly disposed of (fines of $115 to $180 can be issued), City of Mississauga officials have said their focus instead the past few years has been on hammering home the “stoop and scoop” message via public education efforts.
Still, not enough dog owners are heeding the messages and, as a result, numerous unsightly messes can be found in parks and other places across the city.
“Dog waste is still causing quite a stink in Mississauga,” the city said on Wednesday in yet another online plea with offenders to change their ways. “Dog waste left behind can contaminate soil, recycling bins and public spaces while also increasing cleanup costs across parks, trails, sports fields and sidewalks.”
If a waste bin is full, the city continued, “use another or take (the filled poop bag) home and report overflowing bins to 311. Dog waste belongs in garbage bins or designated dog waste stations, which help manage waste more safely and reduce environmental impact. A simple habit like carrying bags and disposing of waste properly makes a big difference for our community.”
Numerous dog waste disposal stations are located across the city. (Photo: City of Mississauga)
Mississauga officials said in June that while stooping and scooping may seem like a small task, “it has a big impact.”
The city added that Mississauga is home to roughly 127,000 dogs and, collectively, they produce an estimated 16,000 tonnes (35.3 million pounds) of annual waste.
“When it is not picked up, it can affect the environment, public health and the cleanliness of shared spaces,” the city said earlier this summer. “Many people think dog waste works as fertilizer, but this is not true. Depending on the health of the dog and its diet, its waste can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that affect soil, water and air.”
Dog waste not picked up can also attract wildlife such as coyotes and rodents, which could create public safety concerns, Mississauga officials added.
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City cleanup crews, meanwhile, empty about 1,900 waste containers in parks and on trails every week, according to the municipality.
“Even with regular service, some dog owners leave waste bags beside full bins, in trees and bushes, or do not pick up after their dogs at all. This creates litter and adds extra work for staff,” the city said.
The city told INsauga.com earlier that enforcing stoop and scoop rules, and subsequently issuing fines, can be difficult because a bylaw officer must either witness the incident firsthand or receive evidence from a complainant that shows an offender failing to clean up after their dog.
Scenes such as this, where dog owners have irresponsibly disposed of their pets’ waste, are common across Mississauga. (Photo: City of Mississauga)
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