Picture this: you’re strolling along a gorgeous Australian beach, the waves crashing, the sun shining—until you step into an unexpected, squishy surprise. Gross, right? But beyond the ick factor, pet poo left in coastal areas is causing serious environmental harm.

You love nature. You recycle, reduce waste, and make eco-friendly choices. But if you’re leaving pet poo behind on coastal trails or beaches, you’re harming the very environment you’re enjoying.

It’s not “fertilizer”

Unlike the droppings of birds or native animals, pet waste doesn’t break down harmlessly. It’s full of bacteria, parasites, and excess nutrients that disrupt fragile ecosystems. When rain washes it into waterways, it fuels toxic algae blooms, which degrade water quality, fuels algal blooms and harms marine life

Wildlife pays the price

Australia’s native animals are uniquely adapted to their environment, but pet waste introduces foreign bacteria and parasites that can be devastating. From bushland to backyards, green spaces to the sea elements found within pet poo, such as toxoplasmosis from cats, can be fatal to native wildlife. Species like possums, seabirds and dolphins can be particularly sensitive even to indirect contact, such as exposure to contaminated soil or water can cause significant health issues and even death.

Public health matters

And let’s be honest—no one enjoys dodging landmines on a morning walk! Leftover pet waste on footpaths, nature strips, or park trails doesn’t just disappear. Pet waste harbours bacteria like E. coli, which lingers in sand and water posing health risks to people enjoying our parks and beaches especially kids who love digging in the dunes!

Urban pollution starts with you

If you’re passionate about sustainability, extend that mindset to pet ownership. A simple habit—bagging and binning pet waste—prevents pollution, protects biodiversity, and keeps our beaches beautiful.

A small act makes a big difference. So, next time your furry mate does their business, be a responsible pet owner— because nature (and your neighbours) will thank you!

The scoop on the poop bag

• Sure, a plastic bag is good for scooping the poop but don’t purchase new bagsthis simply creates a new source of plastic with an average bag taking 400 years to decompose!
• Bags marketed as “biodegradable” often mean they break down into tiny fragments of plastic quickly in the environment. Check the label to determine what they are really made of.
• “Certified home compostable” is best, as these products must be made of a natural product which will readily return to soil.

No matter which option you choose remember to bag it & bin it or risk an ‘on the spot fine’ of $275.

By Emily Fern Strautins, Bushcare Officer