Asheville’s parks and trails are perfect for exploring with canine companions (with owner on leash, of course). But a growing problem is turning our beautiful green spaces into minefields: unscooped dog poop. Let’s talk about why this pointless “poo-llution” is more than just a nuisance.
Thanks to a partnership with HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health, a temporary dog park is open in Riverbend Park, so it’s the perfect time to remind community members to “doo” the right thing and scoop your poop if nature calls and your dog answers.
Why is This Important?
- Common Courtesy: Easy-going is the Asheville way, but stepping in a steaming — or hardened — pile is never welcome. Even the sight or smell of a grumpy dumpy is enough to ruin someone’s special time in nature. Parks are shared public spaces and neighbors expect pet owners to clean up after their companion animals.
- It’s Toxic: Some owners think that poop is natural fertilizer, but not all piles of poop are created equal. For example, cow manure has a different make up from dog waste because the bovine animal is an herbivore and the latter is an omnivore. Doggie doo is so high in nitrogen and phosphorus that it actually has the opposite effect of fertilizer, killing grass and polluting the soil.
- Seriously, No Pile Left Behind: It’s really, really toxic. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified dog poop in the same category as chemical and oil spills for at least three decades. Pet waste carries bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and parasites that can threaten the health of children, adults, wildlife, and other pets. Dog poop doesn’t just wash away or disappear. It ends up in rivers, lakes, and watersheds — places used for recreation and drinking water. Every pile left behind isn’t just unsightly; it’s a tiny, toxic bomb for our environment.
- It’s the Law: A dog permitted to defecate in public without prompt pickup of solid waste can lead to a $50 citation in Buncombe County.
Before you head out, make sure you’ve got multiple poop bags. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) keeps them stocked at larger parks and along greenways, but they may run out during high visitation periods. Residents and visitors alike are expected to use designated waste receptacles or carry disposal bags during walks. Never throw pet waste into a compost bin.
While most community members pick up after their pets in public spaces, it’s also a good idea to pick up after them at home for the same reasons listed above. Even if it seems like rain has washed away a doggie dump, it can take up to a year to naturally break down and the bacteria will linger in your soil for several more years.
Poo happens, but it’s important to be a responsible pet owner and “doo” your part. Scoop that poop!
More Asheville Pettiquette
- Leash Rule: Unless you are within the fenced area at a dog park, the City of Asheville requires all pet owners to keep dogs on a leash at all times whenever they are on public property or property other than their own.
- City License: Additionally, the City of Asheville requires all dogs six months and older to have a city license. This license is $10 and is to be renewed annually. The fee for not having your dog licensed in Asheville starts at $50. Both an updated rabies tag and the city license must be displayed on your dog at all times.
- For More: Visit the City of Asheville’s Animal Services online hub.
Visit Asheville’s Temporary Dog Park
APR partnered with HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health to fulfill their shared commitment of supporting the community with a temporary dog park after Tropical Storm Helene’s floodwaters severely damaged and closed popular public dog parks in Azalea Park and French Broad River Park. This much-needed, safe, off-leash, fenced-in space is located in Riverbend Park on the banks of the Swannanoa River adjacent to Riverbend Marketplace off Swannanoa River Rd.
Riverbend Park is located on 100 Bleachery Blvd. across the parking lot from Walmart Supercenter.
Note: This dog park will remain open while APR works to rebuild permanent dog parks, a process that may take multiple years.