Dog owners urged to pick up after their pets

Published on 13 July 2018

Dog owners are being urged to pick up after their pets in a bid to keep the region’s public spaces dog poo-free.

Mildura Rural City Council data shows the amount of dog poo being left on footpaths, parks, recreation reserves and walking tracks has increased significantly in the past three years. As well as being unsightly and annoying for others using these areas, it's a form of litter that can pose health and environmental risks.

Portfolio Councillor for Environmental and farming Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said all pet owners had a responsibility to look after their animals and ensure they didn’t cause problems for the wider community when out in public.

“It’s great that locals are frequenting our parks and walking tracks to exercise their dogs,” Cr Cirillo said.

“The majority of pet owners are doing the right thing but unfortunately some leave their dog’s waste for other people to deal with.”

By law, owners must remove and dispose of dog litter if their dog defecates in a park, road, footpath or other public place. Dog owners are also legally required to carry equipment or a device, such as plastic bag, to clean up after their pet. Breaching these laws could potentially result in a $322 fine respectively.

“Our Civic Compliance Officers patrol popular parks and areas where people regularly walk their dogs,” Cr Cirillo said.

“They have the authority to issue fines to pet owners not doing the right thing.”

The Mildura riverfront precinct, Aerodrome Ovals, Mildura Recreation Reserve, Mildura South Wetlands, Merbein’s Kenny Park, Red Cliffs’ Quandong Park, the Irymple Green Belt and Henshilwood Reserve are some of the areas where dog poo is a common issue. The amount not picked up on the Mildura riverfront alone has more than doubled in the past three years.

“Many, many more people are using the riverfront area now because it is such a wonderful community asset. But we want to keep it clean and litter-free for everyone to enjoy.”

As well as being annoying when you step in it or ride a bike, pram or wheelchair over it, dog poo can harbour dangerous viruses and bacteria and pollutes waterways when it eventually gets washed away.

Cr Cirillo encouraged dog owners to always be prepared and take their own bags and leash with them whenever they left the house with their pet.

“There are a number of bag dispensers located in different areas however these are not located everywhere that people walk their dogs, so it’s best to always bring your own supply.”

As well as patrolling areas where people frequently walk their dogs, Council is rolling out a community education and awareness campaign to remind pet owners to pick up, bag and bin dog poo.