Walking your dog is a great way to meet your neighbors.
There are plenty of pets in Waubeeka!
A few reminders:
- Dogs must be leashed and should not be allowed to roam freely outdoors.
- Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the beach, playing fields or tennis courts.
- There is a fenced-in dog run near the ball field where dogs are allowed off leash. Please do not leave your dog unattended in this area.
- Owners are expected to clean up after their dogs everywhere, including inside the dog run.
- Pet owners should always respect other residents’ privacy and property.
- Don’t forget to “scoop the poop” or suffer a $25 fine imposed by the LWA Board.
The Scoop on Poop
Scoop and bag.
According to several national studies, about 40% of owners do not clean up after their pets. Most people recognize that dog and cat poop can be a nuisance and can affect water quality, but they think it is a minor contributor to the overall problem. The effects can be bigger than most people think. It’s also something that is in our control, and much easier than stopping geese or fixing old septic systems.
It’s not just fertilizer.
Dog and cat poop is not fertilizer. It’s the same stuff that humans have learned to put into toilets and septic systems. The primary reason we do that is to control bacteria, including e coli. Studies in Seattle showed that 20% of the identifiable watershed bacteria came from dogs. The US EPA estimated that for watersheds up to 20 square miles, 2-3 days of droppings from 100 dogs would contribute enough bacteria and nutrient to close waters to swimming and fishing. And here size doesn’t matter – even small dogs contribute to the problem.
What you don’t pick up grows weeds in our lakes.
Pet waste contains nutrients that promote weed and algae growth, contributing to the eutrophication of our lakes. A 45 pound dog produces 2 pounds of phosphorous annually. It washes off roads and lawns and into our lakes. Yuck!
Did you know?
There is also a multi-acre, off-leash dog park at 76 Miry Brook Road, Danbury—right across from Fedex.
The dog park contains two fenced in areas: 0.82 acres for small dogs and 1.1 acres for large dogs (20 lbs and over).
Water is provided on site and the park is open from sunrise to sunset.
The Lake Waubeeka Association Rules State:
- Residents are responsible for their pets at all times. This includes monitoring the pet’s own well-being in addition to protecting all people, property, and other animals from them. Residents may not allow their pets to make noise disruptive to others.
- Residents must always curb their pets (i.e., clean up all droppings).
- Pets are not permitted on the beaches, athletic fields, or playground, or in the Community House or any other building owned by the LWA. Dogs must be leashed whenever outdoors, except in the fenced dog run adjacent to the athletic fields.
- No resident may own or keep any animal that is non-domesticated, intended for consumption, or housed in outdoor cages or pens.