Jefferson County, Co. – In response to a growing number of dog 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 deliver this public service announcement:

There is no poop fairy. Please clean up after your dog.

The Animal Control office will kick off its “poop fairy” campaign in unincorporated Jefferson County from July 9 -17, to encourage dog owners to pick up after their dogs in parks, trails, and neighborhoods. Signs, displays, and volunteers wearing blue “poop fairy” T-shirts will greet patrons of local parks that week, to educate them on why it’s important to keep area parks, trails, and sports fields free from dog poop.

Animal Control, in partnership with local parks districts and homeowner associations, urges everyone to pick up (and pack out) after their dog. Here’s why:

• Dog poop doesn’t biodegrade like wild animal poop
• Dog poop contains bacteria that can harm adults, children and other pets
• Dog poop can contaminate groundwater
• Dog poop is unpleasant to look at, smell or scrape off of your shoe
• “Failure to clean up dog feces in public places” is a petty offense with a fine of at least $30 in Jefferson County. Many local park districts have similar regulations and fines.

For more information, visit http://animalcontrol.jeffco.us or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thereisnopoopfairy.