A task force against dog poop in Pavia

In Pavia, citizen protests over streets, sidewalks, and even green spaces being contaminated by dog ​​poop from uncivilized owners had become unbearable, and so the municipal administration decided to take action. 

Since August 1, 2026, 22 animal guards have been in operation , thanks to an agreement with the municipality, working in conjunction with the local municipal police. They monitor dog owners for various violations: dogs off leash, failure to pick up waste, and other instances of neglect or mistreatment. And fines, up to €100 for failure to pick up waste, are pouring in.

In reality, rather than with fines, these rather uncivilized dog owners should be educated starting with information: an explanation of the environmental, as well as aesthetic, damage that a simple dog poop left on the street can cause.

• Hygiene and microorganisms: Feces can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If trapped, they can be carried on shoes, wheels, and surfaces.
• Parasites: Some intestinal parasites in dogs can contaminate the soil. The risk is greater for children, who play on the floor and may put their hands in their mouths.
• Slides: Poop on the sidewalk can cause you to lose your balance, especially for the elderly or those with mobility difficulties.
• Ambient: left on the ground, it can contribute to the contamination of soil and rainwater, especially when there is a lot of droppings.
• Urban decay: Large amounts of feces concentrated in one area make sidewalks, green spaces, and entrances unappealing and can attract insects.

Cover image source: La Provincia Pavese

Read also: 

• How to take your dog for a walk
• Fines for dogs that make a mess