Woburn Reminds Residents To Pick Up, Throw Out Pet Waste

WOBURN, MA — City of Woburn officials are reminding residents that failing to pick up and properly dispose of pet waste is illegal, harmful to the environment and a potential health risk.

Failure to pick up dog waste falls under City of Woburn Municipal Codes Title 6, Section 1, 6-4, and is subject to fines of $25 to $75, city officials said.

Of course, a fine just affects one household, the public at-large and the environment also are at risk when animal waste is not picked up and thrown away.

As city officials explained in a statement: "When it rains, dog poop and other pollutants are carried over our sidewalks, driveways and roads into the nearest storm drain where they flow — untreated — directly into our nearest water body."

City officials continued: "Dog waste carries high levels of harmful E. coli bacteria and other pathogens that increase public health risks and can cause infections."

That's why city officials insist that it's important not just to be bag waste, but to dispose of it properly.

"Dropping the bag by the side of the road, throwing it in the bushes or stuffing it down a catch basin is not a proper disposal and is both polluting and littering," officials said in a statement.

Officials said residents should carry the bag of waste until they find the nearest public trash receptacle, or they should take it home and throw it in their own trash barrel."

The city actually has an online brochure called "Don't Let Your Pet Pollute," that offers tips for cleaning up after pets.