Image Credit: Summit Elementary School

By James Peters

Foul Fields

Summit Elementary students unite to spread anti-dog doo message

May 25, 2021 | 3:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — Summit Elementary School has taken a novel approach to solving a stinky problem.

The school’s fields have become a popular spot for inconsiderate dog owners, who regularly let their pets use the fields as their toilets without cleaning up the ensuing mess.

“Complaints of the dog poo problem started right in September from my lunch supervision staff,” said Principal Justin deVries in a school district news release. “I equipped them with doggie bags, but the number of times they were cleaning up after dogs was an issue.”

“During the Spring meltoff, our fields smelled like a sewer for weeks,” he continued. “Students would play in the area and their clothing would be soaked with water that had been contaminated with months of unattended dog feces.”

Dogs are not permitted on school fields, as per City of Kamloops bylaws.

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Students at Summit are now tackling the issue with essays and cartoons. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find a target for their messages.

“The issue now is with a few people who bring their dogs and do not pay attention to them, many from the surrounding townhomes,” said deVries. “As there are no District personnel around after hours, it is difficult to determine who needs to hear the message.”