Pet Waste Facts For Western New York

​Harmful Bacteria in Dog Waste

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Dog feces contain approximately 20 million fecal bacteria per gram, including E. coli, which can persist in soil for months, posing health risks.

 

Western New York’s Pet Waste Problem

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With an estimated 500,000 dogs in Western New York (WNY), these pets produce around 375,000 pounds of hazardous waste daily, contaminating local yards, parks, and sidewalks.

 

Tracking Bacteria Indoors

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Simply walking on contaminated sidewalks can transfer an average of 420,000 fecal bacteria onto your shoes. Up to 99% of these bacteria can then spread to clean indoor surfaces, potentially causing illness.

 

Dog Waste vs. Manure

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Unlike nutrient-rich manure from herbivores like cows, horses, or sheep, which is safe and beneficial for plants, dog waste has no commercial value and is unsafe for gardening due to its high pathogen content.