Whenever I take my dog outside for a walk in our beloved Bristol, CT, I find myself constantly cleaning rock salt out of her paws. The deicing salts used on public, private, and City property cause my dog immense pain. Her paws become red and sore, and it's heartbreaking to watch her stop in her tracks to lift her injured paw to me, crying until I manage to clean all the salt out. The pain affects her walks, a time that should be enjoyable for her and all pets alike.

The excessive use of deicing salts has become a severe issue in Bristol, affecting not only our pets but also the environment. Rock salt, primarily made of sodium chloride, melts snow and ice efficiently, but it disrupts the soil and water chemistry, affecting plant life and aquatic ecosystems. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), deicing chemicals can increase chloride levels in water bodies, harming fish and other aquatic life, while also infiltrating drinking water supplies.

In addition, deicing salts pose a risk to wildlife and damage our roads and infrastructure. The salts erode sidewalks and road surfaces, leading to increased repair costs over time. It's crucial that we address these issues and seek safer and more sustainable alternatives to snow and ice removal in our community.

Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives such as sand, ash, or more advanced biodegradable deicing products that can minimize these harmful effects. The City of Bristol can lead by example and pioneer the use of these alternatives, setting a precedent for other cities in Connecticut and across the country.

By replacing harmful deicing salts with environmentally safe alternatives, we can protect our pets, preserve our ecosystems, and maintain the quality of our infrastructure. The change will benefit not just dog owners but all residents of Bristol who care about the environment and the well-being of their community.

Join me in urging the City of Bristol to ban all deicing salts from our public, private, and City spaces. Together, we can make our city a safer place for our beloved pets and the environment. Please sign this petition to show your support for a more sustainable and compassionate approach to winter safety in Bristol, CT. Your signature can make a world of difference.