Pet Waste Pickup is up for a Challenge

HAWS, the Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society, has
recently received a grant from SWWT, Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust,
Inc., to install ten pet waste disposal systems throughout the SE WI.

HAWS, the fiscal receiver of this grant, partnering with the
Village of Menomonee Falls and the Paws Pledge for Pet Poop Pickup Committee all
want to recognize and give thanks to SWWT for this opportunity to stress the
importance of picking up pet waste to protect the health and wellness of the
public.

Several communities have agreed to install a pet waste
disposal system and stock it with biodegradable pet waste bags for five years.  In addition, they will participate in educating
the public about the dangers of bacteria in pet waste and the importance of
picking up the waste and depositing it in the trash all to prevent it from washing
into our rivers and into Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s source of drinking water.

The Milwaukee County Parks, the City of Brookfield, and the Village
of Brown Deer are among several communities taking part in this
initiative.  Every person can have a huge
positive impact on our water quality here in Milwaukee by just picking up their
pet waste immediately whether on their own property or in a park.

Pet waste has been identified as a polluter of local
waterways by being dissolved by rain and washed overland in rain events.  E. coli bacteria are a serious source of
pollution causing sickness in people if they swim or play in contaminated
waterways. 

The grant encourages pet owners to pledge to pick up their
pet’s waste immediately and dispose of it properly in the trash.  The Paws Pledge for Pet Poop Pickup Program’s
slogan is “Scoop it, Bag it and Toss it!” Recently at the Menomonee Falls
Stormwater Expo, North Middle School 7^th grade students participated
in an educational game by taking the Pet Poop Pickup Challenge which taught
students the importance of proper disposal of pet waste.

A new Dogipot disposal system will be also installed at the
new Tamarack Preserve Educational Kiosk located at the corner of Shady Lane and
Custer Lane near the walking path.  Come
join us on July 26^th, at 10:00 AM to celebrate the opening of the
kiosk and the recognition of Menomonee Falls being a Bird City USA.  

Other opportunities to learn about pet waste include the
HAWS Pet Fair that will take place in Rotary Park on Fond du Lac Ave. Saturday
August 18, 2012 from 10 AM – 4 PM.  The
Paws Pledge for Pet Poop Pickup Committee will have an educational booth where
pet owners can fill out a pledge form (to pick up their pet’s waste) and
receive a doggy bone bag holder.

For further information, go to www.Menomonee-Falls.org/PawsPledge