Did you know that there are about 47,000 dogs in the Pioneer Valley, and that together, they produce about 17.5 tons of animal waste a day? Dog waste is not biodegradable, and, despite what you might think, it does not act as a fertilizer. Stormwater runoff can wash dog waste into ponds, lakes, streams and drinking water supplies, causing outbreaks of E. coli and other bacteria harmful to both people and wildlife. It can contaminate parks, athletic fields and places where children play. According to the EPA, dog waste is as toxic to the environment as chemical and oil spills. Please be responsible and pick up and properly dispose of your pets waste, and encourage others to do so too.  Show that you care: take the Pick-up Poop Pledge at:  https://thinkblueconnecticutriver.org/pup-pledge-form/