Animal Waste

Bag Station at Morehouse Park TrailheadAnimal waste contains pathogens such as bacteria, parasites and viruses that pose unnecessary public health and environmental risks. When it rains, that gets carried into the storm sewer system and ends up in stormwater ponds, ditches, and the Straight River.

How can you help? 

Be responsible and clean up after your pets

When not cleaned up properly, pet waste can create a public health nuisance in our neighborhoods and recreational areas.

  • Bring a bag when walking your pets and be sure to pick up after them. Many trailheads in Owatonna have bag stations available
  • Clean up pet waste in your yard frequently
  • Pick up after your pets before cleaning patios, driveways, and other hard surfaces. Never hose pet waste into the street or gutter
  • Dispose of waste properly in the toilet or trash. The best way to dispose of pet waste is to flush it down the toilet because it gets treated at the wastewater treatment plant. Other disposal methods include sealing it in a bag and placing it in the trash or burying small amounts in your yard to decompose. Be sure to keep it away from vegetable gardens

Don't feed waterfowl

Feeding ducks and geese is often perceived as a harmless and fun activity, however, it actually has negative effects on wildlife, the waterfowl and local water. While ducks, geese and other waterfowl like eating bread, chips and crackers, it causes them to congregate in high numbers which results in large, concentrated quantities of waste in and along the community’s water resources. 

Waterfowl waste also soils parks and trails. In addition to the environmental issues, feeding them can cause long-term health problems and other nutritional consequences for the waterfowl and other wildlife as they become overcrowded and dependent on humans for food. Instead of feeding wild ducks and geese, make a trip to a zoo, county fair or wildlife preserve.