Gary Martin: The post-pandemic dog poo problem creating a stink in our community

The surge in puppy ownership-for-companionship during COVID-19 has led to a concerning post-pandemic problem of a foul kind: the increasing presence of dog faeces on streets and footpaths, nature trails, gardens, parks and ovals.

The growing disquiet has sparked worries within the community, with many citizens barking mad at the thought that we are on the verge of a poo-demic.

Beyond the obvious unsightliness and the likelihood of making unwanted contact with a pooch poo, a dog’s waste is both an environmental and health hazard.

Understanding why some dog owners neglect their responsibilities and fail to clean up after their pets is complex.

Some dog walkers seem to let their pride get in the way of picking up after their pets.

There are also dog walkers who refuse to pick up even though they are aware of the health and environmental consequences – and they do not fear fines nor care what others think.

Many pretend they simply do not see what their pets are getting up to.

Yet by far, the biggest culprits are dog walkers who only pick up their pet’s gift when others are present.

With more four-legged friends in our communities, the poo problem seems to be growing “excrementally”.

While not ranking among the most heinous crimes on the behavioural spectrum, the increasing presence of dog poop in our neighbourhoods does raise concerns about our collective sense of community-mindedness.

Thriving communities are built on the foundation that, when individuals have free access to shared spaces, they will generally choose to do the right thing out of a genuine sense of responsibility.

Cleaning up after our pets should come naturally as a display of community mindedness. It should reflect our respect for the shared spaces we use and the people who use them.

Proper disposal of dog poop represents a small but significant way to contribute to the wellbeing of the community.

The average dog is estimated to produce between 120kg and 180kg of poop each year, much of it while out walking.

If every dog walker was to act selfishly and neglect their duty to clean up after their pets, once-inviting open spaces would quickly lose their appeal and create an unpleasant experience for all.

It is unrealistic to expect our local parks and pathways to always be completely free of the landmines produced by our four-legged friends.

Some will genuinely not see what their pets have left behind and others will forget to bring a poop bag along on their walk.

But by embracing a culture of responsible pet ownership, we can prevent the type of poo-demic that is prevalent in many locations around the world and keep local areas clean and pleasant for everyone to enjoy.

In the meantime, to all the responsible dog owners who diligently pick up after their furry companions, your community thanks you.

Professor Gary Martin is CEO of AIM WA and a workplace and social affairs expert