Picking Up After Your Dog

A Shetland Sheepdog is in profile on a sandy beach.

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

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.

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