Thornton looks to eliminate pet waste from the summer landscape

One of the great things about summer is getting outdoors for a walk with your pet. But the great outdoors can lose its appeal if the landscape is dotted with pet poop. While pet poop is biodegradable, it shouldn't be left behind. It contains bacteria that can cause illness and pollute our waterways. When pet waste is not picked up, rain and sprinkler runoff carry the bacteria across lawns, into streets and gutters, down storm drains and into our local creeks and streams.

When you and your dog are out for a walk, be a Grand Poobah! Always carry a poop scoop or plastic bag with you and pick up after your pet. Pet waste isn't a good fertilizer, so don't toss it onto landscaping or into a compost bin. Thornton City Municipal Code requires that pet poop be put in the trash, so let's all be good neighbors and pick up after our furry friends. It will make for a more beautiful summer in Thornton.

We'd like to hear from you, tell us what it takes to be a Grand Poobah to your pet. Thornton residents can send in a photo of them walking in Thornton with their pet, along with a story telling us how they are a good neighbor, and the ways they keep Thornton a beautiful place. Some submissions may be featured in Inside Thornton magazine, on the City's Web site, or could even be used in other promotional material. Photos and stories can be e-mailed to lisa.wilson@cityofthornton.net.