Pick up and pack out

Morning walk-time. I grasp our spaniel’s leash in one hand, our golden retriever’s in the other. Before leaving the house, I fill my pocket with mutt mitt bags.

My dogs and I love our morning walks. I have no complaints about picking up after my dogs. But why do horse owners live by different rules?

The Tamarack Street trailhead at the base of Mount Jumbo warns owners to pick up animal waste or risk a $25 fine. At Blue Mountain, equestrians and dog owners are asked to pick up and pack out manure in the parking lot.

Never mind whether these laws apply along the Rattlesnake Drive roadside, the trail north of Lincolnwood, or anywhere from the Rattlesnake Wilderness to Blue Mountain. Common courtesy calls for picking up after your animal regardless of official regulations.

Stepping around the pile left by a 70-pound dog isn’t pleasant. But come on – we’re talking the manure of 1,000-pound horses.

Do you horseback off the trail in the backcountry? No worries.

But if your horse takes a dump smack dab in the middle of the trail where runners, bikers and walkers travel, scoop it up. At the very least pitch fork it to the side or risk a minimum $50 fine.

And while you’re at it, sweep away those deer droppings.