In their response to a Vancouver is Awesome article about Vanpoover city officials lamented that websites like Vanpoover "pose a real risk to the public by spreading misinformation".
Let's take stock of the facts:
- FACT: hundreds of dogs defecate in Vancouver's parks daily. We stand by our data. Don't believe our numbers? Just go down to the park yourself and watch. Sure, exact numbers will vary from day-to-day, but that's beside the point.
- FACT: most local parks lack dog free space — dogs can (and do) crap all over the parks. Don't believe us? Go to the park and check.
- FACT: dog poop spreads diseases. Don't believe us? Either look it up in a reputable source, or if you're feeling particularly adventurous regularly smear dog poo on your hands and face and see how you fare.
The Trumpian approach taken by city officials of dismissing verifiable facts as misinformation is not only deeply ironic, but completely fails to address the central point:
Park goers, especially children with their tendency to come into contact with soil and their less developed immune systems, are at risk of diseases including parasitic infections like toxocariasis (which can lead to blindness) and bacterial infections such as salmonellosis and yersiniosis.
Plus, it smells when you step in it.
The real risk to the public stems from playing and lying in dog poo covered parks, not from those who warn about the dangers.
Rather than label verifiable facts as misinformation, city officials would be better directing their efforts at addressing the problem. There are simple solutions, just pick one and implement it.
How you can help
Want some poop free outdoor space in your local park? Head over to our how you can help page.
Location, hours, amenities, and restrictions
Dogs in parks resources
People, Parks, and Dogs
Our strategy for creating safe, engaging park spaces for people with and without dogs.