Is Man's Best Friend The Environment's Enemy?

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A recent study from the Environmental Protection Agency found animal waste to be a grave threat to the health of at least one community.

Pollution and global warming rank near the top of environmentalists' growing list of concerns. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, another menace to the environment is in many people's own backyards.

Over a two day period in 1993, the EPA studied waste from 100 dogs. From its findings, the EPA estimated that the bacteria from these animals' pet waste would be enough to temporarily close a bay to swimming and shellfishing. The EPA also suggested the bacteria could require the temporary closing of watersheds within 20 miles of the site where animal waste was left.

On Second Thought host Tony Harris speaks with Anna Truszczynski from Georgia's Environmental Protection Division.

Anna Truszczynski from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division explains how dog feces is an environmental hazard.