In New Zealand, 31% of households share their home with a dog. Having a dog is hugely rewarding, but it also brings responsibilities that go beyond training and day-to-day care. A key part of responsible dog ownership is dealing with your dog’s waste safely and responsibly - for the sake of public health, native animals and our local ecosystems.
It might not be the most glamorous side of dog life, but dog poo is no joke – it can actually cause real harm to people, wildlife, and our environment. Here’s why...
Poop, people, and public health
Dog poo isn’t just unpleasant – it can actually be dangerous. Dog waste poses health risks to humans and other animals, particularly because it can harbour dangerous pathogens that threaten both individual and public health. Research has identified harmful bacteria such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Enterococci, E. coli and Salmonella, as well as parasites including roundworm and Giardia in dog faeces samples.
The severity of this contamination was demonstrated in a study of dog faeces left on streets in an Italian city, which found the presence of dangerous bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics, including "superbugs" like MRSA (Cinquepalmi et al. 2013). The study also detected Giardia in about 2% of samples, highlighting that dog waste left on footpaths and walkways represents not only an unpleasant nuisance but a genuine public health hazard contributing to the spread of hard-to-treat infections.
Beyond direct contact risks, dog waste also threatens water quality and recreational safety. A Sydney study conducted between 2019 and 2020 investigated poor water quality at a local swimming beach and found that dog faeces that had washed into stormwater systems contributed to pollution, likely entering the bay during wet weather events (Seymour et al. 2020). Such contamination can cause illnesses like gastroenteritis in swimmers and beachgoers.
Children face particularly high risks because they frequently play on the ground and put their hands in their mouths. Even in well-maintained parks, leaving dog waste on the ground significantly increases the risk of disease transmission, especially to vulnerable groups.
Poop and planet: how dog waste impacts nature
Contrary to popular belief, dog faeces are not a good fertiliser and can actually harm natural ecosystems. Because dogs are carnivores fed protein-rich diets, their waste contains exceptionally high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus that can disrupt the delicate nutrient balance in natural environments.
Research from Ghent University in Belgium demonstrates the scale of this impact, showing that dogs contribute substantial nutrient loads to nature reserves through their urine and faeces (De Frenne et al. 2022). Rather than benefiting ecosystems, these nutrient inputs favour fast-growing, aggressive plant species that can outcompete rarer, specialist native species, ultimately reducing biodiversity.
The study revealed that collecting dog faeces provided the most effective protection for natural areas, removing nearly all phosphorus deposits and reducing nitrogen inputs by over 50%. Without collection, the high nutrient concentrations in dog waste create multiple environmental problems:
Killing grass and native plants in areas where faeces are deposited
Creating nutrient imbalances in soil and waterways
Contributing to harmful algal blooms in freshwater environments, which can threaten aquatic life
This issue is particularly critical in New Zealand, where many natural areas including forests, wetlands, and regional parks are naturally low-nutrient ecosystems. Even small inputs of dog waste can disrupt these delicate balances, allowing invasive, fast-growing plants to overwhelm rare native species. Research has shown that these elevated nutrient levels can persist for years, continuing to affect ecosystems long after dogs are excluded from an area (Bonner & Agnew 1983).
Pawsitively responsible: dog care done right
To help keep our communities, parks, and the environment healthy, here are some simple tips for dog guardians:
1. Always pick up dog waste
Under the New Zealand Dog Control Act 1996, local councils can make bylaws regulating dog behaviour in public spaces. These may include rules about leashing, restricting dogs from certain areas and designating exercise zones. Importantly, councils can also require that “the owner of any dog that defecates in a public place, or on land or premises not occupied by the owner, must immediately remove the faeces.”
2. Use environmentally friendly disposal options.
Home composting of dog waste is not recommended because domestic compost systems rarely reach the high temperatures needed to neutralise dangerous pathogens that pose health risks. Biodegradable dog waste bags provide a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative for responsible pet owners. New Zealand pet owners have access to several quality biodegradable bag brands, including Little Green Dog Bags, Earth Rated, BioBag, Beco, Kazoo Eco, thegoodpaw, and frankgreen. These products are widely available through veterinary clinics, pet stores, professional groomers, and online retailers, making it easy for dog owners to make environmentally conscious choices while maintaining proper hygiene standards.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
Bagged waste should be placed in the appropriate bins. Avoid leaving bagged waste tied to fences or on the ground, as this still poses risks to the environment and wildlife. Even biodegradable bags should be disposed of in general household rubbish, as they need proper landfill conditions to break down safely.
4. Be prepared on walks and hikes.
Always carry extra bags and ensure you can clean up after your dog, even in remote areas. This helps prevent contamination of local ecosystems and waterways and the spread of disease to native animals.
5. Monitor your dog’s health through their stool.
While scooping the poop quickly is the main goal, it’s worth having a quick look first as it can also tell you a bit about your animal’s health. Healthy faeces should be firm, well-formed, and dark brown in colour, passing easily without strain for your dog.
Unusual colours or textures may indicate digestive issues, parasites, or illness, and should prompt a check with your vet.
Supporting a cleaner, greener New Zealand
We’ve already busted the myth that dog poop is “good for the garden” – so now it’s up to us to do the right thing. Scooping, bagging (compostable if possible), and binning is a small act that keeps our parks, paths, and waterways safe for everyone.
Responsible dog guardianship goes beyond individual pet care and exemplifies the One Welfare principle – recognising the interconnectedness of human welfare, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
It contributes to protecting New Zealand's unique biodiversity, clean waterways, and public health. By picking up after dogs, using compostable bags, and following local regulations, guardians help ensure that neighbourhoods, urban parks and national parks remain safe and enjoyable for everyone for generations to come.
References:
Bonner, C., & Agnew, A. D. Q. (1983). Soil phosphorus as an indicator of canine faecal pollution in urban recreation areas. Environmental Pollution Series B, Chemical and Physical, 6(2), 145–156.
Cinquepalmi, V., Monno, R., Fumarola, L., Ventrella, G., Calia, C., Greco, M. F., de Vito, D., & Soleo, L. (2013). Environmental contamination by dog's faeces: A public health problem? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(1), 72-84. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10010072
De Frenne, P., Cougnon, M., Janssens, G. P. J., & Vangansbeke, P. (2022). Nutrient fertilization by dogs in peri-urban ecosystems. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 3(1), e12128. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12128
Seymour, J. R., Williams, N., & Sibon, N. (2020). Microbial source-tracking to assess water quality issues at Rose Bay. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. Retrieved from https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/publications/microbial-source-tracking-assess-water-quality-issues-rose-bay