>>> May 23, 2002
Two great tastes...

As the snow clears, forgotten droppings left by the pets of uncaring dog-walkers decorate Anchorage, Alaska—clear evidence the “scoop your dog’s poop” ordinance isn’t working. Knowing something must be done, a new tactic is being considered.

“Someone should make a peanut butter dispenser that puts a dab of it on the [poo],” suggested City Parks Director Jim Posey, the idea being that peanut-butter-flavoured poo would prove gastronomically irresistible to the hand- and face-licking family mutt. Owners, therefore, have a vested interest in making sure droppings are collected. Far from being an accepted method, however, the notion has some concerned about putting dogs at risk of disease and parasites.

“Some of ’em are already tootsie-crunchers as it is,” said Anchorage sled-dog enthusiast Kirsten Ballard. “We’re trying to break that habit.”
With an estimated 260,000 pounds of feces hitting the ground weekly, municipal leaders and dog owners are hoping better measures can be put into practice. :

—Scott Saxon