A family that decided to go to Wooster Square Park on Saturday for a picnic (from out of town) noticed their daughter had a smelly substance under her fingernails when they returned home. Upon further inspection, the 4‑year-old had some of the same substance in her mouth and ears.
Yep, you guessed it. The substance was dog feces. They cleaned her up but overnight had to take her to the emergency room because she was vomiting.
Upon testing the little girl, they found her stomach swarming with coliform bacteria, a certain pathogen communicable by dogs to humans.
The only reason I know this is because my name is posted on signs all around Wooster Square Park, which I post at my own expense, warning of the health risks of dog feces and of course the general unpleasantness of the subject pleading with owners of dogs to please pick up after their dogs.
The poster has my email and phone number on it. I even set up a website for people to become more educated about the risks this type of irresponsible behavior can bring.
The mother actually went back down to the park from I believe East Haven to get my name. At first she blamed me until I pointed out that I am the one trying to stop this disgusting and total irresponsibility on behalf of dog owners.
She was so upset she was talking about suing the city. I have not heard from her since Sunday but she was piping mad and I do not blame her. She did not give me her name but from my conversation with her she kept referring to “Her Anna” which I suppose is the daughter.
I hope that every group that has the ability to get out this horrible story to residents does. Spring is here and children play in the park. Others just enjoy walking around the park with out having to navigate their way through dog feces. This is not just a Wooster Square Park problem; I am sure it is prevalent in other city parks too. This is both a health and quality of life issue we all need to pay attention to.
I hope this little girl does not suffer and she will heal. In the meantime, for God’s sake, pick up after your dog!
She should sue the city. I have complained for years to city hall that the city needs to take more responsibility policing irresponsible dog owners. Edgewood Park, for example, is a free for all with (mainly) out-of-towners from surrounding towns letting their dogs run around without leashes. I've even been downtown and seen people walking their dogs off leash. The poop is another story altogether. The number of jerks who don't pick up after their pets is just awful.
She should send this (see site below) to city hall with a note that says, "enforce the dog laws!
www.poopsenders.com