For 15 minutes every hour we counted how often dogs defecated on the grass in Hinge Park. We're not kidding; we actually did this!
Results
Dogs poop on the grass in Hinge Park over 150 times per day.
While 95 % of it was picked up, that still leaves 7 turds a day lurking for the unwary, not to mention that the grass is smeared in faeces...
Beyond the numbers
Whilst the steady stream of dogs using the grass as a toilet was eye-opening, what was truly horrifying was seeing a group of toddlers in kindergarten arriving at the park and starting to play in the exact same spot where two dogs had defecated just moments before they arrived.
If a dog pooped on your carpet, and someone picked up the poop (perhaps smearing it over the carpet as they did so), would you immediately play on that spot?
This is what the City of Vanpoover expects us to do by not providing any dog poop free outdoor space. Moreover, city officials are not bothered by the disease risk and couldn't care less if you or your toddler end up stinking of dog shit.
How you can help
Want some poop free outdoor space? Head over to our how you can help page.
Location, hours, amenities, and restrictions
Dogs in parks resources
People, Parks, and Dogs
Our strategy for creating safe, engaging park spaces for people with and without dogs.