The first dispensers were
installed in 2002 at Barley Neck and River Road Landings by the Friends
of Meetinghouse Pond. In 2005, the Pleasant Bay Alliance obtained
a grant to fund dispensers and mitts at Pleasant Bay locations in
Chatham, Orleans, and Harwich.
Orleans Pond Coalition recruited volunteers to
maintain the Orleans dispensers and expanded the program to include Cape
Cod Bay, Nauset Estuary, and several conservation areas.
Commercial sponsors were also recruited. Additional mitts were
supplied by Stop & Shop, Shaws Market, OPC, Snow's, and Animal
Hospital of Orleans.
The program has since expanded to include 36 locations, dispensing over
20,000 in 2008. Agway of Orleans has become a very generous
sponsor and we hope to enlist additional sponsors to further expand this
program.
Why do we need to pick up after pets?
Pet feces contain bacteria that can contaminate
our freshwater ponds and our saltwater bays. Our ponds and bays
are used for water contact sports such as swimming, water skiing, and
boating. In addition, our estuaries are an important source of
shellfish. Shellfish filter the water and help to clean it but
they also can become contaminated by bacteria. Help keep our
waters clean and our shellfish healthy for those who love to eat them!
Want to volunteer?
Volunteers are needed to monitor and restock our
Mutt Mitt dispensers throughout the year. Contact
OPC to volunteer!
