Our Canine of the Month for July is Bonnie!
Canine of the Month Club!
Meet our Canine for July - Bonnie!
Pet's name: Bonnie
Age: 4
Breed: Shetland sheepdog
Favourite food: Cheese and peanut butter
Bonnie says: "With gorgeous fur like mine, it can get pretty hot when the weather is warm. I love going to the water to cool off in the summertime. My parents always clean up my poo when we go, and I hope yours do so I can keep going to the water safely all year round!"
If you would like to participate in Canine of the Month, please send us a photo of your dog in or near water. Your dog's name, breed, age, favourite food, what your dog likes about our lakes, and why it's important to clean up after your dog. Please contact us at water@halifax.ca
"I live on a lake and being able to swim in clean water is important to me because it helps keep my muscles, bones, joints, and heart strong! Swimming in clean lakes and ocean helps to keep aging dogs like me healthy and active."
"I love to dig in the stream behind my home. I love the snow and playing with my human brother and I can't wait to go to the beach this summer! My family loves nature and wants to do their best to take care of the environment in any way we can."
"I love the beaches and I love to chase the waves and dig in the sand. My family always have poop bags so we can keep the water clean so we can all be in good health to enjoy the wonderful beaches"
I live in Eastern Passage so I am always near the water and water is such an important part of my life. My family cleans up because we need water for life! It's one of the most important substances on earth. I will protect it always.
My grandpaw is a fisherman, I love getting to spend time with him near the ocean and going fishing! I can’t wait for the water to warm up so I can hit the beach for lots of swimming lessons!
"I love to swim, chase ducks and cool down on a summer day. My family picks up my waste so that we can all enjoy clean water. I don't want my friends to get sick from polluted water."
"It's important to keep the waterways clean from litter and pet waste so they remain beautiful, safe and fun for everyone - now and for the future!"
"It’s important to keep our lakes healthy so dogs and humans alike can continue to enjoy them and keep cool!"
Why should I pick up after my dog?
Animal waste contains bacteria and parasites like E. coli, giardia and salmonella. In the urbanized areas of the municipality, stormwater pipes flow into lakes, streams and the Harbour. Any animal waste left on the ground washes from private property, streets and parks into our waterways through these stormwater pipes, polluting our water bodies. This animal waste will eventually decompose, but the bacteria in it poses a health risk to humans and other animals. High bacteria levels can lead to beach closures throughout the summer.
Whether at home or on a quick walk around the neighbourhood, it's important to continue to pick up your dog’s waste and put it in the garbage. Please note that dog waste is not considered compost in this municipality, even if it’s in a ‘compostable’ bag.
What can I do and how?
- Remember to bring plastic bags with you when you walk your dog to dispose of the waste properly in garbage cans.
- Animal waste is toxic, the bags need to be thrown in the garbage. They are not compost and should also not be used as fertilizer.
- Even bags marketed as biodegradable or compostable must go in the garbage. These types of bags are not accepted at municipal compost facilities.
- Keep your pets on a leash near waterways and sensitive areas.
- Spread the message to other dog owners.
- Always bring a pet-waste bag. Tie one to your dog’s leash so you don’t forget.
What is Halifax doing to protect lake health?
In addition to our other programming, we have introduced Canines for Clean Water, an education campaign which focuses on maintaining safe water quality levels in our lakes, rivers and streams.
Did you know?
Dog bag dispensers are available at Lake MicMac and we encourage pet owners to use these dispensers if they forget their own bags. Lake MicMac provides plastic bags and accessible garbage cans to ensure convenience. The plastic bags contain recycled plastic material to help reduce plastic waste and close the loop.
Canines for Clean Water
We want dogs across the municipality to become canines for clean water! Sign up for our clean water pledge* online.
*Please note, the pledge is a fillable PDF but has to be saved first.
Related files
- Canines Pledge Form (PDF)