PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG

It's more than etiquette ~ It's about environmental health ~ It's the Law!

MYTH:
Dog feces simply disintegrates into the soil

FACT:
Dog feces left on your lawn can pose a serious health hazard! Did you know it can take up to 1 year for dog feces to disintegrate? Dog feces is protein based and is poisonous to lawns.

From the Atlanta Business Chronicle, March 31, 2000: "In Atlanta, failing to pick up after your dog violates the city's ordinances, and carries a fine of up to $1,000. DeKalb County has an ordinance, and the fine is usually determined by a judge. In unincorporated Fulton County, which does not have an ordinance, a county employee described picking up after your pet as 'part of being a good neighbor.' "

Dog waste poses threat to water, it's an environmental pollutant.: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area near Atlanta. Bacteria levels in the river exceed standards so often that a Web site tells would-be boaters and swimmers whether the river is safe on any given day. To help clean it up, park officials recently started giving tickets to visitors who have dogs but no doggie bags. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/science/2002-06-07-dog-usat.htm)

Code Enforcement Links and Information

The full City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances can be found online at www.municode.com.

Section 18-9 deals specifically with the "Removal of Canine Fecal Matter":

Sec. 18-9. Removal of canine fecal matter.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, possessing, harboring or having care, charge, control or custody of any dog not to remove any feces left by that dog on any sidewalk, gutter, street, lot or other public area. Dog waste shall be immediately removed by placing said matter in a closed or sealed container and thereafter disposing of it in a trash receptacle, sanitary disposal unit or other closed or sealed refuse container.
(b) Each and every violation of this code section shall be punishable to the extent provided by code section 1-8.
(c) This section shall not apply to visually impaired persons who have the charge, control or use of a guide dog. (Ord. No. 1996-57, § 1, 8-12-96)

Need cute stuff in Atlanta to do with your dog??? Check it out here. Everything from day spas to leash-less parks!