For environmental dogs, sniffing out doody is their duty

FAIR HAVEN, N.J. (AP) - Some pollution-sniffing dogs at the Jersey shore have shown they're No. 1 at sniffing out No. 2.

A team of specially trained dogs has pointed out more than 70 spots in three towns near the Navesink (NAH'-veh-sink) River where human waste may be making its way into the waterway, parts of which are closed to shellfishing because of high bacteria levels.

Environmental groups including Clean Ocean Action brought the dogs from Otisfield, Maine-based Environmental Canine Services to Fair Haven, Red Bank and Middletown, New Jersey, in September.

They have sniffed out potentially broken or leaking sewer pipes, failed septic systems and places where waste might be mishandled or improperly disposed.

Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli says the dogs laid out a map for the town to make repairs.