Solving dogs off leash and dog waste problems

Dogs off leash and dog waste in Lakewood parks, trails and open spaces are problems according to the Imagine Lakewood! survey results. Review the facts below on dogs off leash and dog waste, then post your idea to solve these problems. Your neighbors can show support for your solution.

Dogs off Leash

• Lakewood’s municipal code provides that a person can be fined a maximum of $2,650 and spend a year in jail for their animal running at large.
• Dogs not leashed where leash laws exist often impact the enjoyment of other users of parks, trails and open spaces.
• Leashed dogs are less likely to run away or be injured. Dogs off leash have been bitten by rattle snakes or other creatures.
  
• Dogs off leash are more likely to deter wildlife from visiting natural areas than dogs on leash.
  
• Owners of dogs off leash are less likely to pick up their dog’s waste.

Dog Waste

• Lakewood’s municipal code provides that a person can be fined a maximum of $2,650 and spend a year in jail for not picking up dog waste.
  
• The average dog produces ½ to ¾ pound of fecal matter each day. That means 100 dogs can produce more than 500 pounds of waste per week.
  
• Dog waste does not break down like wild animal waste.
  
• Dog waste often contains harmful organisms such as E. coli, giardia, salmonella, roundworms, hookworms and cryptosporidium.
  
• Dog waste left on the ground makes its way into waterways through storm water systems and pollutes our water with E. coli and other harmful bacteria that makes people, wildlife and other dogs sick.
  
• Dog waste left on the ground ruins the park, trail and open space experience for other visitors.