Animal Control in Jefferson County, Colorado will be encouraging residents to pick up after their dogs by clearing up The Myth of the Poop Fairy.

The campaign runs from July 9 -17 during which volunteers wearing blue “Poop Fairy” T-shirts will greet patrons of local parks to break the news to them that “There is no poop fairy.” The Poop Fairy joins the annals of PSA mascots such as: Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, and crying Indian whose duty was to prevent pollution.

The Scoop on Poop

  • Dog Poop Doesn’t Biodegrade Like Wild Animal Poop
    Because we feed our dogs food that’s very different from the food wild animals eat, dog waste does not biodegrade quickly like wild animal waste. And because of the sheer number of pets in suburban neighborhoods and in local parks, this hardy dog waste accumulates.
  • Dog Poop Contains Harmful Bacteria, Parasites
    Dog waste can contain harmful organisms like E. coli, giardia, salmonella, roundworms, hookworms, and cryptosporidium.  These can be passed on to you or your pet, and may cause health problems.
  • Dog Waste Pollutes Groundwater, Water Bodies
    Bacteria in dog waste can harm water quality in creeks and rivers, and alter the ecosystems of these stream corridors. Humans who come in contact with creek water can also face health hazards.
  • County Ordinances Require Cleanup
    Jefferson County ordinances* make “failure to clean up dog feces in public places” a petty offense with a fine of at least $30. Many local park districts have similar regulations and fines