Most dog owners know their pet’s excrement is pretty gross, but Jefferson County Open Space has launched a program to hopefully prevent others from encountering it.
The Letap Doo It program is a friendly reminder to dog owners to not only bag a dog’s poop, but also dispose of it properly in a trash can. There are signs at Jeffco parks, bag giveaways and a special container that attaches to a leash and dispenses bags.
“Itap a community effort and everybody can pitch in to help,” said Katie Matthews, spokeswoman for Jefferson County Open Space.
Lakewood joined the program in May and Evergreen is just kicking off its Letap Doo It campaign. Wheat Ridge, Northglenn and Denver Mountain Parks officials have also expressed interest.
“How great would it be if that message spread to create this army on ground,” Lakewood marketing and community relations manager Allison Scheck said. “Thatap the only way this will stop being a problem.”
Scheck said she was drawn in by the positive campaign encouraging people to do the right thing rather than stressing potential punishments, such as ticketing.
“We have animal control and enforcement, but we talked about a positive campaign right around that time Jeffco launched their campaign,” Scheck said. “It seemed so apparent to me that the right thing to do was to partner with Jeffco Open Space.”
Dog droppings can be more environmentally harmful in parks because dogs tend to eat more processed foods that don’t biodegrade as quickly. It can also spread bacteria and contaminate water and other areas of the parks.
Hikers not picking up after their dog on a trail has been a problem for years at the parks.
“Part of the problem is people are doing half the job. They are bagging waste but leave it on the trail. We really want to hit home to drop it in the trash,” Matthews said, adding that she’s seen lots of orange and blue plastic bags on the trails.
Jeffco park rangers have placed signs at trailheads promoting the campaign and thanking those they see properly disposing dog feces. There is also an people can sign to promise to pick up after their dog.
Open Space also made a and the song is a cover — with adapted lyrics — of
Evergreen is still in the process of rolling out materials at its parks, but Evergreen Park and Recreation District spokeswoman Lisa Hamm-Greenawalt said the poop pickup hasn’t been a huge issue, but itap a good excuse to remind people about it.
“Itap always a good idea to teach, remind and reinforce in a positive way and keep our beautiful parks clean for everyone,” she said.