Trail Talk Blog

Release Back to SchooP 2023

Durango, Colorado -The City of Durango, the La Plata County Humane Society, Visit Durango, and Durango Trails are launching a Back to SchooP program to encourage area pet owners to pick up after their pet and remind them that City and County ordinances require dogs be on leash in Horse Gulch, Overend Mountain Park, Dalla Mountain and Animas Mountain.

“We notice a number of dogs off-leash that may leave trail users a present without the owners noticing or schooping the pile. Trailheads and sections of trails are littered with dog waste that affects our water, wildlife, other dogs and trail users,” according to Scott McClain, Interim Parks and Recreation Director with the City of Durango.

“Durango is a dog-loving place, and we also love our trails and open space. To prevent issues with trail users and wildlife, dogs must be leashed in our area open spaces and owners must pick up their dog’s waste,” said Clint Garrett, Animal Protection Supervisor with the La Plata County Humane Society. “Reports of unleashed dogs will be treated as a ‘dog at large’ under Durango City Ordinance 4-41 and the owner is subject to a citation, fine and court costs.”

The City of Durango website also states: “Pet waste bags and garbage receptacles are provided throughout our parks and trailheads. Be sure to carry extra bags and don’t forget to grab your filled bags on your way back to the trailhead if you’d set your bag by the side of the trail.”

Poop from pets can carry germs like bacteria and parasites that can make people and other pets sick, contaminate waterways, and harm the environment, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Colorado is the poopiest “Dog Poop State,” according to research done by Protect My Paws. Do your part to make Durango the exception to this unfortunate trend.
There is an off-leash dog park located 0.1 mile west of the intersection of Hwy. 160 West and Hwy. 550, on the south side of Hwy. 160 West.

Remember, don’t be a poop and get back to the schoop (and leash)!

About Durango Trails: Formed in 1990, as Trails 2000, the organization underwent a brand refresh to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The mission is to plan, build and maintain trails, educate trail users, and create connections. Durango Trails relies on community support for all of its projects. Volunteers contribute more than 4,000 hours of trailwork annually to Forest Service, BLM, County, City and private landowners. For more information, visit www.durangotrails.org and www.facebook.com/ durangotrails

The La Plata County Humane Society is committed to enhancing and protecting the lives of companion animals by ensuring the provision of sustenance, safety and shelter, educating the community regarding humane treatment of animals, and preventing pet overpopulation.