Pick up after your pet

Johnston takes great pride in our city parks and green spaces, and we also want users to. To help keep this space nice for everyone, please be responsible and pick up after pets if visiting public spaces. Chances are you have stepped in dog waste and weren’t even aware of it until it’s too late. This is one of the many reasons why picking up after your pet is important. Many of Johnston’s parks have pet waste cleanup bags and trash bins. Please ensure you are disposing of your pet waste properly.

Other reasons include:

1. It's against the city code
   Not properly disposing of your pet's waste is against city code 47.22(2). 
   
   
2. It will not break down on its own.
   Pet waste can take up to 12 months to fully break down. Plus, when rainwater flows over the waste, it then flows into the stormwater draining system. The contaminated water then makes its way to lakes, streams and rivers.
   
   
3. Disease-causing bacteria and parasites.
   The bacteria and parasites in the waste can spread disease to other pets. Salmonella and E.coli are often bacteria that are found in dog waste. The parasites can live in the soil for years. As a pet owner, not properly picking up after your pet, you are putting other people’s pets at risk of contracting bacteria.
   
   
4. It’s just common courtesy to pick up after your pet.
   Picking up after your pet is a common courtesy. When it is left on the ground, it just plain stinks and is at risk for others to step in it. While it may be convenient to re-use a grocery bag, a more environmentally friendly option is to use biodegradable baggies.
   
   
5. Pet waste is not a fertilizer
   Many believe pet waste is a natural fertilizer, but it is not. Our furry friends are often on diets high in protein, which has a reverse effect and can burn your lawn.