With the mild spring weather, more residents and their dogs are enjoying the outdoors.

The City of Kelowna is reminding dog owners that if 害羞草研究所渢hey poop, you must scoop.害羞草研究所� While majority of owners are responsible and pick-up after their pets, it only takes a handful to create a problem.

害羞草研究所淔rom the recently conducted dog park survey, residents identified that their primary concern with dog parks in their neighbourhood is cleaniness; specifically, owners not picking up,害羞草研究所� said Ian Wilson, City of Kelowna parsk services manager.

害羞草研究所淲ith the average dog producing 124 kilograms of waste per year, the waste can quickly add up in our parks, public spaces and along sidewalks if left behind.害羞草研究所�

The waste contains bacteria, nitrogen and salts that don害羞草研究所檛 dissolve and can be harmful. Waste that is not properly disposed of has the potential of seeping into the ground and being washed into nearby creeks and the lake.

害羞草研究所淩esidents also regularly contact the City with concerns about off-leash dogs in on-leash parks, especially natural parks like Knox Mountain,害羞草研究所� said Wilson. 害羞草研究所淲hile the regional district害羞草研究所檚 dog control officers head out to identified hotspots, for the safety of all park users and wildlife, we害羞草研究所檇 like to remind owners that dogs must be on-leash, except in a designated off-leash dog park.害羞草研究所�

An owner of a pet that comes into conflict with a wild animal is liable for a $345 fine under the Wildlife Act. Owners caught not picking up after their dog are subject to a $150 fine.

For more information about dogs in parks, visit .