Dog Waste Month reminds you to pick up the poop

By Lethbridge Herald on April 30, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Lethbridge wants to give the community the latest poop on dog poop in May, and is thus unleashing the third annual Dog Waste Awareness Month. The goal is to encourage responsible pet ownership for cleaner public spaces, and how cleaning up after their dogs is also part of being good neighbors.

“The campaign plays a vital role in reminding residents about the importance of picking up after their pets,” says Ashley Walker, Parks Community Co-ordinator. “Some pet owners don’t realize that pet waste can spread disease and damage vegetation. Less dog waste means cleaner parks and a better experience for everyone.”

Contrary to what some dog owners may think, dog waste is not suitable as fertilizer because of its composition and potential risks. It often contains harmful pathogens, like E. coli and parasites, that could contaminate soil and pose health hazards. Additionally, its high protein diet leads to waste that’s too acidic, making it unsuitable for enriching plant growth.

“Each year, the amount of dog waste has been reduced, which is really-really positive, “ says Walker. “Which could be because of the campaign, and people are recognizing how important the issue is.”

Throughout the month, the Doggy Doo Doo Crew will be out in full force. Volunteers will clean up a different dog park in Lethbridge on every Thursday in May.

 In place of each waste pile, a white flag will be placed to serve as a powerful visual to highlight just how common the issue is. The flags will stay up for two weeks to raise awareness and encourage better habits.

There are currently five dog parks in Lethbridge; Scenic Drive Dog Run, Peenaquim Park, Park ‘n’ Bark, Popson Park and Riverstone Dog Park. Although the dog waste situation has been getting better each year since 2023, Walker says dog waste is still a problem.

“Last year we brought 100 white flags to each dog park and we were able to disperse those within an hour, and we probably could have done hundreds, especially at the busier larger parks like Popson and Scenic Drive dog run, we can easily do 500.”

Lethbridge Dog Control Bylaw 5235 requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs, and to dispose of the dogs’ feces in public spaces. 

Dog owners are also responsible for cleaning up dog waste on their own properties, and not allowing it to accumulate to the point that it becomes a public nuisance and health hazard. The fine for not picking up is $100.

Director of Enforcement with Community Animal Services, Skylar Plourde, says that complaints about dog waste is a fairly common complaint the department gets, especially during springtime when it emerges from beneath the melting snow. 

The city bylaw officers do proactive patrols year-round of regular park spaces as well as the off-leash dog parks to ensure compliance.

“Our goal is always education, so not every complaint turns into a ticket,” says Plourde. “If we can get compliance in other ways, that’s the goal.”