Small animals such as dogs, cats, and rabbits are not normally thought of as causing manure-handling problems. A family with one or two pets usually does not have a disposal problem because feces and urine from these pets can be disposed of through the household sewer or garbage system or can be deposited on lawns or gardens. Problems can develop, however, when these animals are concentrated in animal pounds, hospitals, or facilities for raising and keeping small animals for food, fur, breeding, or laboratory purposes.
Problems begin as odor, noise, or insect complaints rather than as water pollution problems.
This does not minimize the importance of planning, building, and operating these facilities to minimize pollution problems from urine, feces, and soiled bedding. If a large number of small animals are to be kept in one location, keeping waste material dry and regular clean out and disposal of wastes will help to prevent odor and pest problems. The general rule to follow for any animal confinement system is to avoid accumulations of waste materials that can act as breeding, feeding, or nesting sites for rodents or insects. If waste materials have to be stored for more than a few days before disposal, they should be placed in closed containers, tightly covered piles, or storage rooms to which insects and rodents cannot gain access. Runoff from roof gutters and other large open areas should be diverted from outside yards or waste storage locations.