Myth of the Poop Fairy

Like the Loch Ness monster or Bigfoot, the fabled poop fairy has been the There is no poop fairy, please clean up after your dogstuff 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.

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