I must first say, I am an animal lover. I volunteer for the BCSPCA Wild ARC and I am quite familiar with animal waste and the diseases it can carry, besides the odour.
Concerning doggy waste bags, we have a problem. Yes, most say they are biodegradable right on the package. The problem is, how long do they take to do so?
As a person who enjoys a nice stroll along the Galloping Goose Trail, I have noticed too many dog owners just tossing these bags in the bush, where many end up hanging from a tree or bush; such a lovely sight, as well as aroma.
Even when I approach the offending owner, they say, “Oh, they are biodegradable.”
Well, here are the facts. This biodegradable material takes anywhere from three to six months to fully degrade, and when they do, the contents have probably “fermented” into an even messier and more pungent sludge.
There are plenty of trash cans available to dispose of the waste our pets produce. Just look for them, they are everywhere. The fact that the poop is in a biodegradable bag does not mean that the mess magically disappears once you have tossed it into the bush by the trailside. It is not compost!
Please be considerate, and dispose of your dog’s mess responsibly.
Rod Stiebel
Langford