What's worse than dog poo being left on trails?

Bags of dog poo being left on trails, according to the Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA), which is calling on dog owners to do better for the environment, fellow dog owners and "for the very essence of the outdoor experience we all seek to enjoy."

The issue of dog waste being left on public trails is multifaceted, impacting both the environment and the social aspects of outdoor recreation, explained the STA in a Thursday, Oct. 31 post on social media.  

"Contrary to popular belief, dog waste is not a natural part of the ecosystem in most hiking areas," explained the STA. "Unlike the scat of native wildlife, dog feces can introduce harmful bacteria, parasites, and excess nutrients into the environment. This can lead to water pollution, affect local plant life, and potentially harm native animal species."

As for social impacts, dog waste, bagged or not, can be off-putting and detracts from the natural beauty hikers seek, said the STA.

"It鈥檚 a visual reminder of human (and canine) presence in what should be a pristine environment. Moreover, it can lead to conflicts between dog owners and other hikers, potentially souring relationships within the outdoor community."

Between dog waste and baggies of dog waste abandoned on trails, the STA suggested the latter is worse. 

"Dog owners who bag their pet鈥檚 waste but leave the plastic-wrapped package on the trail are, arguably, creating a new and much worse problem," said the STA. "These colourful dog poop bags are visually intrusive and introduce non-biodegradable plastic into natural environments.

Even if the intention is to "pick it up later," said the STA, "this practice normalizes littering and often results in forgotten bags that will persist in the environment for years to come."

"This growing issue calls for a reevaluation of our practices as dog owners and hikers."