Local Health Officials Want You To Be Aware of Potential Health Issues Relating to Dog Waste

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — It happens every spring. As the weather warms up and melts the snow, dog poop piles begin to create a mess.

“It differentiates year by year but we usually get about 15 to 20 calls or complaints over the internet, you know at our FargoOne app, and what we usually check out each one of those. And out of the 15 to 20, we usually have to probably clean up about five to seven of those. Especially this time of year, where it’s accumulated over the winter and people just haven’t gone out there,” said Grant Larson, Director of Environmental Health at Fargo Cass Public Health.

Dog waste can contain over 65 diseases that can be transmitted to other dogs, animals, and people. Waste can include hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms. If you leave dog poop on your lawn, these parasites can spread throughout the environment.

“They do have parasites that can transfer from animals or to other animals or to humans. So we’re trying to eliminate that. Or also excessive amounts would obviously be would attract insects or rodents possibly. And then obviously, as it gets warmer, cause foul odor,” said Larson.

And if the poop doesn’t get picked up, it can take up to year to disappear on its own.

“The City of Fargo has a local city ordinance against animal excrement or excessive animal excrement. So, if people call in with a concern then we’ll check it out and if it is a problem then we can send them a letter in order to address it. If they don’t address it then we will have a contractor that will go clean it up at their expense,” said Larson.

So far this year, Fargo Cass Public Health has received 16 dog poop complaints–and three of the complaints required a contractor to be hired to clean it up.

Residents of Fargo can reach out on the FargoOne app or contact Fargo Cass Public Health with any concerns on dog waste in your area.