Dog Waste In Tewksbury Public Fields Increasing, Town Warns

TEWKSBURY, MA — The town of Tewksbury warned residents against leaving dog waste on public fields, in an announcement Tuesday. Dogs are not allowed on public fields, and waste has increased recently, according to the announcement. Tewksbury police and animal control officers will be monitoring the fields.

"Pet waste contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites such as salmonella, E.coli and roundworms. When pet waste is left on the fields and around Town, rain water washes over the dog waste, picking up the bacteria, viruses and parasites and sending it down into the storm drain," the announcement notes. "This contaminated water from storm drains do not go to treatment plants but runs directly into nearby rivers, streams and lakes. This has a detrimental effect to the health of local wildlife and to the people who swim and fish in the water."

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Residents can face fines for leaving dog waste on private or public property, according to the following schedule:

1st Offense: $50.00
2nd Offense: $100.00
3rd Offense: $300.00
Each Subsequent Offense: $500.00

There is a dog waste station across from the Lacross Fields on Livingston Street, donated by Girl Scout Troop 60380.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.