Dog Poop Problem in Jerusalem Neighborhoods

As a journalist and pet owner, the author of this article has been on a mission to tackle the issue of dog poop in the streets of Yefe Nof/Beit Hakerem neighborhood in Jerusalem. This unpleasant problem is caused by a minority of dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets, and it poses a risk to the health of both humans and animals.

The Health Risks of Dog Poop

According to the author’s experience with her dog, Sheleg, getting too close to poop can cause serious gastrointestinal bacterial infections in dogs. Moreover, dog poop contains harmful bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli, salmonella, and giardia, that can spread to humans through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Children are particularly vulnerable to these infections because they often play on the ground and put their hands in their mouths.

The City’s Veterinary Service Response

The author tried to reach out to the chief veterinarian of the Veterinary Service to propose some solutions for the problem, but she faced some bureaucratic hurdles and resistance to her ideas. She suggested prominently warning dog owners of the fines for failing to clean up after their pets, increasing the number of inspectors in the neighborhoods with many canines, filling the empty boxes with plastic bags for poop collection, and collaborating with Shvavim to raise awareness of the health risks associated with dog poop. However, the service claimed that these ideas were beyond their responsibility or resources.

The Role of Inspectors and Enforcement

The author discovered that the city has only three veterinary teams for the entire city, and they do not actively patrol the streets but rather react to complaints. She also witnessed a case where a dog was left to roam alone in the neighborhood and almost got run over twice. She reported the case to the city’s 106 phone number, but the response was not satisfactory. The author compared the situation to the UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which has dedicated inspectors to look for abused or neglected animals and take action to rescue them.

Solutions and Recommendations

The author concludes the article by expressing the hope that the city’s services will improve in addressing the dog poop problem and praising the recent improvement in the neighborhood’s cleanliness. However, she suggests some practical steps that can be taken to prevent the recurrence of the problem, such as:

Encouraging dog owners to clean up after their pets and be responsible for their behavior.
Placing more trash bins with tops to prevent cats and other creatures from rummaging through them.
Increasing the number of inspectors and veterinarians to proactively monitor the streets and respond to complaints.
Collaborating with local businesses and organizations to raise awareness of the health risks of dog poop and the importance of proper disposal.
Offering incentives or rewards for good behavior, such as discounts on pet food or vet services.

Conclusion

The dog poop problem in Jerusalem’s neighborhoods is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires the cooperation and coordination of various stakeholders, including dog owners, the city’s Veterinary Service, law enforcement, and the public. By raising awareness of the health risks and promoting responsible behavior, we can create a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.

Originally Post From https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-804328

Pooped out Dealing with an Indifferent Municipal Veterinary Service The Jerusalem Post