LAFAYETTE — Dog owners can often find themselves in a stinky situation while out on a walk...being without something to clean up after their animal. While walking away seems like a simple solution, it can be extremely hazardous to everyone's health (and rude).
"As high as 50% of parks have positive test for K-9 parasites," Dr. Robert Broussard of Reveiller Veterinary Clinic said.
Broussard says dogs feces often contains eggs of hookworms and round worms. The diseasescan be picked up by other animals and even children.
"Children play, put their hands in their mouths, they can get parasites that way. MDs can tell you horror stories of these children that contract these parasites," Broussard explained.
A New Orleans business owner is making an effort to keep the parks clean. By partnering with city government and veterinarians, he is providing doggy waste bags free to the public.
"it just makes it a lot easier. Kids don't have to worry about stepping in dog feces. People can get them at the beginning of the trail, carry them around. It just helps keep the environment clean," Mike Castellano said. Castellano is the owner of Dirty Dog Salon.
"It creates a better atmosphere for the citizens of Lafayette, keeps the parks hopefully a little bit cleaner, that's the goal," added Frank Whittenberg, Athletic Program and Maintenance Director with Parks and Rec Lafayette.
Right now, 11 stations are scattered through out the city, with plans of adding 20 more by the end of the year. To add more stations Castellano says they need the public's help. Contact the Parks and Rec department if you're interested in helping sponsor a station.
You can also contact Mike Castellano by calling 504-895-9617 or by email at dirtydogcompanies@gmail.com
