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Fernie Pets Society to clear trails of dog poop

Fernie Pets Society is organizing a trail clean up day next Sunday to clear Fernie's trails and streets of poop and garbage.

Volunteers are needed to spend one hour clearing Fernie’s trails and streets of dog poop and garbage that has gathered over the winter.

If you can’t make next Sunday morning’s Fernie Pets Spring Trail Clean Up, you can show support by giving a donation to Fernie Pets Society’s project to create a fenced dog park at the off leash area next to Fernie Aquatic Centre.

Donations can be made at Mirror Images, Barkside Pets or Le Grand Fromage or by Paypal at www.ferniepets.org.

Volunteers should assemble at Barkside Pets at 11am to pick up a route and there will be a volunteer appreciation barbecue from 12:30pm at Barkside Pets.

“The majority of dog owners in Fernie are responsible and do pick up their dog’s poop when they are out walking,” says Fernie Pets president Pierre Dupont.

“Unfortunately, it only takes one dog owner to let their dog poop in the same place every day or every week, and by the end of the winter when the snow melts there is a big mess that everyone has to avoid.

“We plan to organize several clean up sessions every year, and we also want to spread the word that if you have a dog in Fernie, you are expected to keep the trails clear so that everyone can enjoy using them.

“Whether you have a dog or not, it is a disgusting experience to walk a trail covered in dog poop, and it gives a bad impression of Fernie to visitors, so we want everyone to know that it is not acceptable to let your dog poop in our community.”

Volunteers can assemble at Barkside Pets at 11am this Sunday, May 6 to pick a route to cover. Garbage bags will be provided – please bring your own gloves and a shovel.

Trails covered will include Maiden Lake, Annex Park and the Dyke Trail. If you know of a particular area that needs to be cleared, please email admin@ferniepets.ca or post information at www.facebook.com/ferniepets

There will be hand washing station and volunteer appreciation barbecue back at Barkside Pets at 12:30pm.

Fernie Pets Society aims to represent responsible pet owners and to advocate for improved facilities for pets and owners in Fernie.

The society’s first project is creating a secure dog park at the 2.5 acre off leash area next to Fernie Aquatic Centre.

Phase 1 of the park is planned this summer, with a fence and double gates so that dogs can exercise safely. The society will organize weekly dog socialization events at the park, and it will be available for dog training classes.

Phase two, planned for 2013, will include benches, water fountains and small agility

obstacles.

For more information about the project or to become a supporter of Fernie Pets Society visit www.ferniepets.org