Animal Control Officer Susan Connor is reminding residents and visitors of the importance of promptly picking up your dog's waste and properly disposing of it. To help you, new dog waste bag dispensers and collection containers have been installed throughout Marion.
Many of the parasites and bacteria found in a dog's fecal waste is zoonotic, meaning they can be passed on to humans. For example, Roundworm and Hookworm shed their eggs from an infected dog in their feces. When fecal matter is not picked up, the eggs are deposited into the soil. Humans that walk barefoot or handle the soil run the risk of becoming infected with a parasite. Other dogs can be infected also.
Campylobacter and Salmonella are both bacterium that can be contracted through an infected dog's fecal matter. These bacteria can cause life threatening illnesses in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Protect yourself and your family by washing your hands frequently and wearing shoes when walking in areas where numerous dogs congregate. Protect your pet with regular visits to your veterinarian.
It is important to understand that the EPA classifies dog feces as a stormwater pollutant. Keeping our ocean and freshwater sources clean and safe from uncollected dog feces is important to both people and the environment. Being responsible pet owners helps to ensure that Marion continues to be a dog friendly town that is safe for all.
For more information, please visit https://www.marionma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/555/Dog-Waste-Flyer-PDF
