There are some really good reasons (other than aesthetic) for us to scoop.

1. Health Factors. A dog’s waste can expose humans to some pretty nasty conditions including; adenovirus, parvovirus, giardia, roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm, hookworm, and coccidia. Children, especially, are susceptible to these diseases. Additionally, dog feces attract flies and other unwanted pests. Not to mention, it makes walking hazardous - who would want to slip in a pile and injure themselves?
   
2. Environmental Hazard: Spring run-off or heavy rainstorms dilute dog waste and wash it into streams and sewers. The dog waste contributes to the bacterial content of rivers, polluting parks and waterways, and degrading the natural environment for fish, wildlife and people. As society strives to be “green” dog waste is quickly becoming a large problem for urban centres. Toronto has initiated a “take it home” policy. In the summer of 2006 they found that 23 – 27% of all the waste in their parks is dog waste. It quickly piles up filling both garbage cans and landfills.
   
3. Responsibility: If we all clean up after our dogs, public opinion of dogs and dog ownership will be much more positive. When you stoop and scoop, the sidewalks, parks and green spaces are much cleaner and therefore nicer for everyone to enjoy. Think of it as a health monitor for your dog. It allows you to detect if there is anything suspicious (off-colour, foreign materials, diarrhea, blood or mucus) that should be reported to your vet.
   
4. Effects on other pets: Parasites and some other viruses are transmitted from pet to pet through fecal matter. Your dog could contract something as serious as parvovirus or many different internal parasites from another dog’s mess. If everyone cleans up after their pets the spread of these organisms will be much less prevalent.