You may think it's not a big deal to let your dog relieve himself in a public place or in your neighbor's yard. And it's not a big deal to leave those droppings behind as you continue walking your dog. But there are about 44,000 dogs living in Wichita...that's more than 44,000 dog piles each day that are oftentimes left in yards, on streets and in parks.

With so many dogs living in Wichita, it's safe to assume that there are many pet lovers in this community. The City of Wichita hopes that these pet owners can begin policing themselves and voluntarily begin picking up after their pets.

Dog walkers all over the world are forced to pick up after their pets. Londoners don't "foul the footpath" and Parisians support "Caninettes" to vacuum dog waste from sidewalks at a cost of $8.5 million a year. Closer to home, Denver, Oklahoma City and Des Moines each have ordinances which levy strict fines on those who do not pick up after their pets.

Dog dung in public areas is unsightly, unsanitary and unsafe. There are several diseases which can be spread from dog waste including Giardiasis, Hookworm and Salmonellosis. Other less common diseases which can be spread from dog waste are Toxocariasis, Q Fever, Lung Fluke Disease, Leishmaniasis, dog tapeworm and broad tapeworm.

Organisms causing these diseases move from the dog waste into the environment. They can be carried by flies and other insects, wind and dust, or balls and toys that come into contact with dog "dirt". The germs can be ingested by people and begin to grow in the body, where infection continues to spread. There are other hazards to leaving dog droppings behind. Injuries could result from slipping on a dog's mess. The entire community will benefit when dog waste is picked up and disposed of properly.

All you have to do is support this effort and pick up after your pets. A plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag or a newspaper bag, is all you need to participate in this campaign. Each time you take your dog out for a walk, make sure you have one in your pocket. There are also commercial products available specifically designed for picking up pet waste.

How to pick up after your dog:

1. 
   Slip a bag over your hand.

2. 
   Pick up the waste, using the hand covered by the bag.

3. 
   Using the other hand, grasp the edge of the bag and pull it inside out.

4. 
   Dispose of the bag in the trash.

Wichita is a great community that 320,000 people call home. Citizens are taking great strides to improve the quality of life for everyone. Let that community spirit inspire you to be a good neighbor. Pick up after your pets!

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