Our Canine of the Month for September is Sophie!
Canine of the Month Club!
Meet our Canine for September - Sophie!
Pet's name: Sophie
Breed: Springer Spaniel
Age: 10 years
Favourite food: Watermelon
Sophie says: "I just moved to Nova Scotia and love how many lakes I get to explore. It is so fun to splash in calm water (no big scary waves for me!) and get all muddy. We all need to keep lakes clean so everyone can have just as much fun as I do! Whether we are at the beach, the park, or on Salt Marsh trail, my paw-rents always pick up after me and do our part to keep our environment safe and healthy."
If you would like to participate in Canine of the Month, please send us a photo of your dog in or near water. Your dog's name, breed, age, favourite food, what your dog likes about our lakes, and why it's important to clean up after your dog. Please contact us at water@halifax.ca
"I live on a lake and being able to swim in clean water is important to me because it helps keep my muscles, bones, joints, and heart strong! Swimming in clean lakes and ocean helps to keep aging dogs like me healthy and active."
"I love to dig in the stream behind my home. I love the snow and playing with my human brother and I can't wait to go to the beach this summer! My family loves nature and wants to do their best to take care of the environment in any way we can."
"I love the beaches and I love to chase the waves and dig in the sand. My family always have poop bags so we can keep the water clean so we can all be in good health to enjoy the wonderful beaches"
I live in Eastern Passage so I am always near the water and water is such an important part of my life. My family cleans up because we need water for life! It's one of the most important substances on earth. I will protect it always.
My grandpaw is a fisherman, I love getting to spend time with him near the ocean and going fishing! I can’t wait for the water to warm up so I can hit the beach for lots of swimming lessons!
"I love to swim, chase ducks and cool down on a summer day. My family picks up my waste so that we can all enjoy clean water. I don't want my friends to get sick from polluted water."
"It's important to keep the waterways clean from litter and pet waste so they remain beautiful, safe and fun for everyone - now and for the future!"
"It’s important to keep our lakes healthy so dogs and humans alike can continue to enjoy them and keep cool!"
Why should I pick up after my dog?
Animal waste contains bacteria and parasites, such as, E. coli, giardia and salmonella. Waste washes from private property and our streets and parks into our waterways, which pollutes our watershed. This poses a health risk to both humans and other animals. High bacteria levels in the water not only pollute our watersheds, but can lead to beach closures throughout the summer. Whether at home or on a quick walk around the neighbourhood, it's important to continue to pick up your dog’s waste. Waste that is not picked up can wash into storm pipes and pollute local waterways. Thanks for your efforts to keep our water clean.
What can I do and how?
- Remember to bring plastic bags with you when you walk your dog to dispose of the waste properly in garbage cans.
- Animal waste is toxic, the bags are disposed of as garbage, no other circumstances. They are not organics or fertilizer and pet waste does not go into the green cart.
- Do not use bags marketed as biodegradable or compostable. These types of bags are never accepted at municipal compost facilities and must go into the garbage.
- Keep your pets on a leash near waterways and sensitive areas.
- Spread the message to other dog owners.
- On the go? Tie a pet-waste bag to your dog’s leash.
What is Halifax doing to protect lake health?
We have introduced Canines for Clean Water, an education campaign which focuses on maintaining safe water quality levels at Lake Banook and Lake MicMac. A pollution control study has identified areas of Lake Banook and Lake MicMac having high levels of canine E.coli. The Canines for Clean Water campaign was launched on August 1oth, 2019 at the Loonie Carnival at Graham's Cove. Join other owners pledging to keep our lakes clean and use dog bags!
Did you know?
Dog bag dispensers are available at Lake MicMac and we encourage pet owners to use these dispensers if they forget their own bags. Lake MicMac provides plastic bags and accessible garbage cans to ensure convenience. The plastic bags contain recycled plastic material to help reduce plastic waste and close the loop.
Canines for Clean Water
We want dogs across the municipality to become canines for clean water! Sign up for our clean water pledge* online.
*Please note, the pledge is a fillable PDF but has to be saved first.
Related files
- Canines Pledge Form (PDF)