Peabody Dog Waste Advisory Issued After Feces Bags Found In Pond

PEABODY, MA — Dog feces bags are piling up in Peabody catch basins and ponds — prompting an alert from the Health Department about the proper disposal of pet waste in the city.

The Peabody Health Department said that dozens of bags filled with feces were fished out of Elginwood Pond in recent weeks after they were likely dropped into catch basins.

"Please be aware that catch basins are not connected to the sanitary sewer," the Peabody Health Department said in an alert to the community. "Not only does the presence of this waste pose a threat to our local water resources, it can pose a risk to the health of animals and humans. Clogged storm drains can also contribute to flooding and create an environment for breeding of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

"We ask each of you to do your part by disposing of your pet's waste properly, as required by city of Peabody ordinance."

The city ordinance says that residents must properly dispose of feces left by his or her dog on any municipal sidewalk, street, park, public property or private property of another resident.

The fine for failure to properly dispose of pet waste can be punishable by up to a $1,000 fine per occurrence.

Proper disposal of dog waste includes putting it in a plastic bag and then placing it in a private or public trash barrel.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)