Scoop the Poop Campaign

So, the sun is out. The days are longer. The temperatures are warm and balmy. Your dog is bringing you his leash, begging for a nice long walk in the springtime sunshine. As most Austin dog owners are aware, this city has a multitude of parks and places you can play with your pet.

However, in recent years, the elevated bacteria levels in many creeks and lakes have been a cause for concern. Bacteria levels have reached such high levels that some parks have had to close temporarily for restoration and clean up. Bull Creek District Park an off-leash dog park is one such park currently closed. Although the primary reason for the park's closure is to restore natural vegetation to areas where excessive erosion has taken place, the park's water levels indicate significantly high levels of E. coli with dog waste thought to be the main contributor.

In June 2000, the Watershed Protection Department in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department began a pilot program to install 25 "Mutt Mitts" dispensers in various high traffic dog parks throughout the city. In 2001, 75,000 Mutt Mitt bags were distributed. By 2008, 115 Mutt Mitt dispensers were installed throughout Austin and over 2.8 million bags distributed. Experts estimate that there are 120,000 dogs in Austin each depositing on average 1/2 lb. of waste per load. With over 2.8 million bags distributed, that means the city has hauled away nearly 1.4 millions pounds of poop!!!

The City of Austin is kicking off an educational campaign to teach owners about the importance of waste removal. Television spots, a park sculpture and educational brochures will be made available to the public. For more information on the "Sccop the Poop" campaign as well as videos, television spots, and brochures, Mutt Mitt dispenser locations and dog-friendly park locations, click here: Scoop the Poop. So be sure to do your part to help keep Austin lakes, creeks and parks clean and safe. Don't forget to and Scoop the Poop!!!