HomeMy WebLinkAboutDog Waste Report, Final, 2-27-14All On Forum Statements sorted chronologically
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM
As with any public comment process, participation in Bozeman Online City Hall is voluntary. The statements in this record are not
necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials.
All On Forum Statements sorted chronologically
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM http://peakdemocracy.com/1576
Encouraging Dog Waste Pick-Up
How can the city and its citizens better encourage and support the picking up of dog waste in our city? This
could be in parks, trails, off leash areas or anywhere else in the area.
Introduction
Bozeman is one of the most pet friendly places around with six off leash parks within the city and an abundance
of trails for dog owners to walk their furry friends. A large portion of the population enjoys having dogs as part of
their family. With such a large dog population, we as a community must deal with the responsibilities and issues
that are associated. Dog waste and the health and sanitation problems that come with it can become serious
when dog waste accumulates and is not properly disposed of.
The city of Bozeman invites you to read about the current partnerships and practices that are in place to help
reduce dog waste around town, learn more about why it continues to be a problem and then offer your ideas
and insights into how we can all continue to work together to find a solution by clicking on Post below.
Did you know:
Dog feces left on the ground washes into the nearest stream or irrigation ditch when it rains. Just one ounce of
dog feces contains 23 million microorganisms of bacteria! See how dog waste is affecting Bozeman Creek right
here in town - watch this quick video on YouTube from Montana State University Water Quality
There are a wide variety and number of infectious diseases that can be transmitted from pet waste to humans.
(Information from the Center for Disease Control)
Diseases can be spread from one dog to another through their feces.
Natural fauna often cannot compete with the high level of bacteria in areas where dog waste is left behind. The
natural vegetation has declined drastically in places like Peets Hill where dog waste has become a serious
problem.
What is currently being done:
The city of Bozeman Parks & Recreation Department maintains 40 dog waste stations where pet owners can
pick up a poop mitt on one end of the trail and leave a deposit on the other end.
In 2012, the city went through 2,175 station trash liners and 282,000 poop mitts.
A typical dog station pick up run generates over 250 lbs. of dog waste.
The city has six off leash dog parks for pets and their owners to enjoy.
The city municipal code states that pet owners must promptly remove dog waste from any public or private area
not owned by the pet owner and allows for a $100 fine, though when a fine is given it is generally $50.
Run Dog Run, a Bozeman based 501 c-3 uses volunteers and community donations to help provide positive
solutions to dog-related issues. They partner with organizations like the City, the County and GVLT to educate
dog owners about responsible pet ownership practices and advocate for dog-friendly parks and trails.
bags on wasteRun Dog Run volunteers organize annual Scoop the Poop Events picking up a huge amount of
left behind waste. They have also installed 5 dog waste stations at the Regional Park, funding the bags
(50,000/year) and servicing the stations on behalf of the County.
Run Dog Run provided a one-year supply of waste bags for the Drinking Horse trail when budget cuts
prevented the Fish Technology Center from purchasing them.
Many pet owners are consistently picking up after their pets.
All On Forum Statements sorted chronologically
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM http://peakdemocracy.com/1576 Page 2 of 6
Encouraging Dog Waste Pick-Up
How can the city and its citizens better encourage and support the picking up of dog waste in our city? This
could be in parks, trails, off leash areas or anywhere else in the area.
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM, this forum had:
Attendees:227
On Forum Statements:11
All Statements:17
Minutes of Public Comment:51
All On Forum Statements sorted chronologically
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM http://peakdemocracy.com/1576 Page 3 of 6
Encouraging Dog Waste Pick-Up
How can the city and its citizens better encourage and support the picking up of dog waste in our city? This
could be in parks, trails, off leash areas or anywhere else in the area.
Chris Kukulski inside Bozeman January 27, 2014, 3:19 PM
As a frequent runner on Bozeman's trail network, I would like to thank every pet owner who cleans up after their
dog. It is much appreciated. For those owners who put their dogs waste in a plastic bag and then set it
alongside the trial, please carry the waste to a trash can.
1 Supporter
Mary Lee Reese inside Bozeman January 8, 2014, 5:00 PM
This is indeed time to take this issue seriously. I have provided information to city commissioners before to
strengthen the signage which other communities use. Alas to no avail. Residents of Bozeman value our parks
and trails. The experience is diminished by hiking or skiing through dog feces. I think it's a disgrace. We need
enforcement of the ordinance. Levying fines will also raise revenue so that a part-time or half-time employee
can be hired to do the enforcement. Fines could be reduced if the dog owner completes a dog obedience class.
I would be glad to once again provide the city commission with sign examples from other communities. Even
little old Townsend has good signs at their city park. What are you waiting for?
kyle terrio inside Bozeman December 23, 2013, 9:02 AM
When comparing to other cities and the growth of Bozeman over the last 5 years we believe it is paramount to
understand and respect those who do not own pets, and or those who do and respect the landscape. I have
been traveling through Denver proper and there are clear signs, highlighted specifically for dog cleanup and trail
maintenance. We believe basic signage with clear text and image (background in yellow) grabs your attention.
The signage shall be located at every trailhead. Dog waste is the same as human waste.
Karen Beach outside Bozeman December 18, 2013, 11:42 AM
Install more poo bag stations and trash cans farther in on the trails. It would be helpful for those of us who are
conscientious about removal but run out of bags.
1 Supporter
Emily Sieger inside Bozeman December 18, 2013, 10:10 AM
1) more public education such as articles in newspapers, appearances by ACO on local TV stations,
educational handouts/fliers to be posted at pet and fed stores
2) announce planned ENFORCEMENT and ticketing of off- leash violations and observed failure to pick up
waste. And then DO IT.
1 Supporter
Don Beeman inside Bozeman December 16, 2013, 9:09 AM
Encouraging Dog Waste Pick-Up
How can the city and its citizens better encourage and support the picking up of dog waste in our city? This could be in parks, trails, off leash areas or anywhere else in the area.
All On Forum Statements sorted chronologically
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM http://peakdemocracy.com/1576 Page 4 of 6
There is a lot of good behavior among dog owners that can be reinforced, see Terry Cunningham's comments.
Periodically enforcing the rules that already exist will provide the "stick". Of all the challenges the city
commissioners have to deal with, this one is not a major issue.
Jenna Fallaw inside Bozeman December 13, 2013, 9:19 PM
Provide more education about the impact of the dog waste and our decreased water quality.
Jay Sinnott inside Bozeman December 13, 2013, 3:51 PM
Like many problems in Bozeman, the transient nature of the population leads to failure to observe City
regulations (students, newcomers, tourists), as do inadequate enforcement resources. We need to somehow
encourage a sense of responsibility among dog owners who know only that Bozeman is a great "dog town".
This mystique is part of the problem. A great dog town needs even better enforcement of leash laws, waste
pick up rules and control of animals in off leash areas to supplement any educational campaigns. Un-enforced
parking violations and cell phone while driving restrictions are in the same realm. It's a challenge to educate all
of the public in Bozeman because the population turns over so rapidly. I doubt the City could sanction such a
thing, but maybe a web page of photographs of dog waste scofflaws submitted by the public would help. I don't
envy City leaders in efforts to improve this situation.
Andy Boyd inside Bozeman December 11, 2013, 10:39 AM
Encouraging dog waste pickup is difficult...and always will be .
Of course there is always Pooperman. For a minimal fee,Pooperman will provide equipment, clean up all poop
and take it all away.
Up until a few years ago Pooperman had a contract with the US Forest Service to clean the "M" and Bozeman
Creek/Sourdough Trail once a week, and these areas were the cleanest they had ever been. Pooperman also
installed the pet waste stations you now see at the library, at Run Dog Run's community park and at other
various sites throughout town.
I'm sure the taxpayers do not want to foot this bill which again is minimal but Pooperman DOES guarantee
clean parks,private residences,green spaces and trails for our city.
Just a thought.....
2 Attachments
https://pd-oth.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/attachments/11xhdn0974b4.4u2/29973_414624081936_697267_n__1_.jpg (63.8 KB)
https://pd-oth.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/attachments/11xhdpn8k2cg.2qd/photo__2_.JPG (2.22 MB)
1 Supporter
John Edelen inside Bozeman December 11, 2013, 10:02 AM
This an awesome first topic. As the Bozeman ACO, I try to educate the public on why it is so important to clean
Encouraging Dog Waste Pick-Up
How can the city and its citizens better encourage and support the picking up of dog waste in our city? This could be in parks, trails, off leash areas or anywhere else in the area.
All On Forum Statements sorted chronologically
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM http://peakdemocracy.com/1576 Page 5 of 6
up after our pets. I frequently have people state to me that "dog waste is fertilizer just like coyote or fox poo".
Nothing could be further from the truth! There is very few similarities between the diet of domestic pets and
animals in the wild. Dog waste has been shown to have a markedly negative effect on native vegetation. Areas
of high dog use typically show a change in species composition as well as species diversity - mostly due to
waste that is not promptly removed. Native vegetation often cannot tolerate the resulting nitrogen levels in the
soil left from dog waste. Something to think about next time we are out walking our dogs.
4 Supporters
Terry Cunningham inside Bozeman December 9, 2013, 5:06 PM
When properly organized and motivated, dog owners can create solutions to issues that they have helped
create. An example is the dog waste issue at Gallatin Regional Park. Even though this as become the most
popular destination for Bozeman dog owners, there were no accommodations made by the County for dog
waste. Run Dog Run solved the problem by soliciting donations to purchase, install and maintain five waste
stations there, which has improved he situation a great deal. Run Dog Run volunteers maintain these stations
twice a week and it's anticipated that we'll use 50,000 bags a year here. Attached is a photo of a volunteer pick-
up this weekend when it was minus-ten degrees. So, yes - we can help solve these problems together.
1 Attachment
https://pd-oth.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/attachments/11xc3ie2i3w0.2ti/IMG-20131207-00839.jpg (494 KB)
5 Supporters
Encouraging Dog Waste Pick-Up
How can the city and its citizens better encourage and support the picking up of dog waste in our city? This could be in parks, trails, off leash areas or anywhere else in the area.
All On Forum Statements sorted chronologically
As of February 27, 2014, 10:49 AM http://peakdemocracy.com/1576 Page 6 of 6