I am responding to the Pomerleaus’ letter to the editor that ran April 22. Maine does have a pooper-scooper law, and the issue is not as comical as one might think. Pet waste can degrade water quality and create public health risks at Maine’s lakes, streams, beaches and clam flats.

First, waste carries nutrients that stimulate growth of nuisance weeds and algae. Second, as the waste and the algae decay, oxygen is depleted, which can lead to fish kills. Also, ammonia can be released, further endangering Maine’s fish population.

Diseases or parasites that can be transmitted from pet waste to humans include campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidium, toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis.

Fortunately, there are some simple things we can all do to help keep our water clean. For those walking around Bates College, laws specifically require anyone who takes an animal off his or her property to carry a bag, shovel or pooper scooper. Any waste left by the animal must be cleaned up immediately.

People may call the city or town officials to find out more about local pet waste laws. Putting pet waste in the trash may be against the law in some communities.

If every pet owner in Maine properly disposed of pet waste, we could see measurable social, environmental and economic impacts, including decreases in waterborne disease, improved water quality and more clam harvesting acreage.

Paul Bernard, Turner

Copy the Story Link