POOCH PROBLEMS: Officials Say Pet Waste Is A Problem

Cedar Rapids officials say pet owners aren’t picking up after pets.

Besides causing a mess, the waste is also polluting the water, causing high e-coli levels.

City leaders say the drought is only making matters worse because the levels increase when there is less water in the streams.

The city launched a new public awareness campaign, which includes putting up signs around the city and asking residents to take a pledge.

The city also surveyed pet owners to find out why they aren’t picking up after their pooches.  The top reason- they didn’t want to be bothered by it.