mainstream media in some affected countries have recently been picking up on this issue of open defecation, for example, in india and pakistan. legal status in certain jurisdictions, open or public defecation is a criminal offense which can be punished with a fine or even imprisonment. in popular culture david sedaris' essay "adventures at poo corner" dealt with people who openly defecate in commercial businesses. open defecation during outdoor activities some national parks prohibit open defecation in some areas. if defecating openly, the general advice is to defecate into a dug hole, and cover with soil.