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It’s the Law!
City Ordinance (Article VI, § 6-157) requires that pet owners:
- Remove any feces deposited by their pets on public or private property. Failure to do so is violation of a public health law and can subject the pet owner to a fine of up to $2,000 plus court costs per day.
Resources
City Ordinance regarding pet owners' responsibilities, including picking up waste their pets leave behind. EPA Article on the impact of pet waste on drinking water.
To report improper disposal of pet waste, call the Storm Water Hotline at 361-826-3800.
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Pet Waste Pollutes! | |
 | Having a pet is both a pleasure and a responsibility. Not only do pet owners have a responsibility for the care, feeding and general welfare of their pets, they have a responsibility for protecting their community as well. That responsibility includes proper disposal of pet waste.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers pet waste a pollutant of water bodies and it is most often introduced into receiving waters by way of storm water runoff. Everyone must do their part to protect the quality of our storm water runoff. |
Pet waste can be a health hazard. If improperly disposed of, it can expose humans and other animals to harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites. Consider the size of Corpus Christi and the number of pets there are in the City. If a dog leaves two piles of waste on the ground on a daily basis, think how much waste accumulates in a week, month or year. Now imagine all of that waste flowing into the bay during a rain storm because of improper disposal. See the problem?
Why should I clean up my pet’s waste?
Pet waste left on the ground increases exposure of you, your neighbors, and our community to bacteria, viruses and parasites. Those particularly at risk are other pets, children who play outside, and adults who garden. Some of these bacteria, viruses and parasites are:
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 | Pet waste is a significant water polluter. Pet waste left on the ground washes into the river, creeks, and bays when it rains. People who swim, fish or boat in these same waters can be exposed to diseases that pet waste can cause. As pet waste decomposes in water, it can deplete the oxygen level or increase the ammonia level of the water and cause harm to fish and other water life. |
Why can’t I just leave my pet’s waste on the grass?
Pet waste is not fertilizer. Dog feces left on the grass decomposes slowly, allowing for greater opportunity for human exposure to illnesses caused by parasites it may carry including hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms. The same applies for cat feces. Additionally, when it rains, that feces can wash into the City’s storm water drainage system where it flows, untreated, into our creeks, river and bays.
It is against City Ordinance to leave pet waste on the ground; either your own property or others’ property.
How should I dispose of my pet’s waste?
- Flush pet waste down the toilet. Do not flush kitty litter as the litter can clog your pipes.
- Toss pet waste in the trash. Wrap pet waste in plastic bags, tie the bags off so they don’t spill, and throw them in the trash can. This is the best choice for used kitty litter.
- Be a good neighbor. Carry plastic bags when you walk your dog so that you can pick up the waste. Tie off the bags and throw in the trash when you get home.