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- Myth of the Poop Fairy
Myth of the Poop Fairy
Like the Loch Ness monster or Bigfoot, the fabled poop fairy has been the stuff of legend. Flying undetected in parks, neighborhoods and schoolyards, she was said to follow close behind dogs and their owners, picking up what the dog left behind before flying off to the next canine creation. A widespread belief that she existed seemed to reassure some that cleaning up after one’s dog was optional.
In response to a growing number of poop piles, and a growing number of citizen complaints, the Jefferson County Animal Control office has partnered with local park districts and homeowner associations to bring you this public service announcement:
The Facts About Dog Poop
Dog Poop Doesn’t Biodegrade Like Wild Animal Poop
Because we feed our dogs food that’s different from the food wild animals eat, dog waste does not biodegrade quickly like wild animal waste. And due to the large number of pets in suburban neighborhoods and local parks, this hardy dog waste accumulates.
Dog Poop Contains Harmful Bacteria, Parasites
Dog waste can contain harmful organisms like E coli, Giardia, Salmonella, roundworms, hookworms, and Cryptosporidium. These can be passed on to you or your pet and may cause health problems.
Dog Waste Pollutes Groundwater, Water Bodies
Bacteria in dog waste can harm water quality in creeks and rivers and alter the ecosystems of these stream corridors. Humans who come in contact with creek water can also face health hazards.
County Ordinances Require Cleanup
Jefferson County ordinances* make “failure to clean up dog feces in public places” a petty offense with a fine of at least $30. Many local park districts have similar regulations and fines.
The Poop Fairy Campaign
Volunteers are available to provide poop bags and flyers and to speak with residents about the importance of keeping our parks and trails poop-free.
How You Can Help
Please share this message with your friends and neighbors. Together, we can debunk the poop fairy myth and clean up our county.
More Information
- Download our Poop Fairy poster and Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Like the Poop Fairy on Facebook
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Animal Control
Physical Address
700 Jefferson County Parkway
Number 160
Golden, CO 80410
Phone: 303-271-5070
Directions from 6th Avenue
Drive north at the intersection of Heritage Road and 6th Avenue. You are now on Jefferson County Parkway. Stay in the left lane and drive 0.8 mile. The animal control office is on the left side of the road; it is the only single-story building on Jefferson County Parkway. Animal control shares a building with open space and operations.
Hours of Operation
Administrative Office
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m
Field Services
Sunday - Saturday
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Closed
Sheriff's office facilities are closed to the public on all legal holidays.