News Flash

Durango, CO: A “Back to SchooP” program to remind pet owners to scoop up after their pets has been launched by the City of Durango, La Plata County Humane Society, Visit Durango, and Durango Trails. 

“We notice a number of dogs off-leash that may leave trail users a ‘present’ without the owners noticing or schooping the pile,” said Scott McClain, interim Parks and Recreation director with the City of Durango. “Trailheads and sections of trails are littered with dog waste that affects our water, wildlife, other dogs and trail users.”

City and county ordinances require dogs to be on leash in Horse Gulch, Overend Mountain Park, Dalla Mountain and Animas Mountain. Poop from pets can carry germs like bacteria and parasites that can make people and other pets sick, contaminate waterways, and harm the environment.

Clint Garrett, animal protection supervisor with the La Plata County Humane Society, said reports of unleashed dogs are treated as a ‘dog at large’ under Durango City Ordinance 4-41 and the owner is subject to a citation, fine and court costs. “Durango is a dog-loving place, and we also love our trails and open space,” he said. “To prevent issues with trail users and wildlife, dogs must be leashed in our area open spaces and owners must pick up their dog’s waste.”

Pet waste bags and garbage receptacles are provided throughout the city’s parks and trailheads, but pets are not permitted at the Oxbow Preserve. Colorado is the “poopiest” dog-poop state according to Protect my Paws. Please help make Durango the exception to this unfortunate trend.

Remember, don’t be a poop and get back to the schoop (and leash)!

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Media Contact
Tom Sluis
Public Information Officer 
Phone: (970) 375-5090
Email: Tom.Sluis@durangogov.org

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