May is Dog Waste Awareness Month

The City of Lethbridge Parks department is excited to highlight the fourth annual Dog Waste Awareness Month. Throughout May, we’re encouraging responsible pet ownership and cleaner public spaces.

“The campaign plays a vital role in reminding residents about the importance of picking up after their pets,” says Ashley Walker, Parks Community Coordinator. “Some pet owners don’t realize that pet waste can spread disease and damage vegetation. Reducing dog waste in our parks, green spaces and coulees keeps them cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone.”

The Doggy Doo Doo Crew is also back out in full force. Each Thursday this month, volunteers will visit one of Lethbridge’s dog parks to clean up left-behind dog waste. In place of each waste pile, a white flag will be placed – a powerful visual reminder of how common the issue is. These flags will remain for two weeks to help spark awareness and encourage long-term behaviour change.

"Accumulation of dog waste in both parks and on private property is a very common, year-round complaint,” says Skylar Plourde, Director of Services and Enforcement with Community Animal Services. “Dog owners are required by law to pick up and dispose of dog waste immediately when in public spaces. It also can’t accumulate on their private property to the point where it becomes a nuisance or health risk to others. Fines under the bylaw for these offences start at $100."

While the campaign is focused on May, it’s a year-round message: cleaning up after our four-legged friends protects our parks, waterways and environment every single day.

Join the Doggy Doo Doo Crew!

The City invites residents to get involved directly, by joining the Doggy Doo Doo Crew. It’s a simple, hands-on way to support cleaner spaces and help spread awareness. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit lethbridge.ca/doggydoodoocrew. 

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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