Newspaper Investigation Discovers 108 Piles Of Dog Poop In Park

[matcom]

ssssssslllllllooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww news cycle :rofl:

<snip>

A recent survey of Washington Park by The Powell Tribune revealed at least 108 dog-poop piles in the 3.6-acre park.

“It’s real frustrating,” said Bill Fields, superintendent of the Powell Parks Department.


In 1991, the city passed Ordinance 6.04.020, which requires folks to pick up after their dogs. Many do — but what about those 108 piles?

To encourage poop scooping, city officials could install plastic-bag dispensers, citizens could report offenders or, most drastically, the Powell City Council could ban dogs from public parks.

Fields said dispensers are an option if there is enough money in the budget.
In Cody, “Mutt Mitts” have helped, said Monte Bales, Cody Parks and Facility supervisor. Bales has been with the city for almost 15 years.

The first dispenser went in more than five years ago.

“At first people seemed offended,” he said. But eventually, the dispensers made a difference.

“I think they were almost shamed into doing it,” Bales said.
A Mutt Mitts dispenser costs $59.50, according to the Web site, with 2,000-mitt refills for $80.

“The bags are kind of pricey,” Bales said. But, he added, “I think it’s worth not having to look at dog poop.”

And Mutt Mitts are cheaper than “pet stations” that include a bag dispenser, trash can and sign ($275 from BAGGIT Inc.).

For a more “in-your-face” solution, residents could begin reporting offenders.
Anna Paris, community services officer for the Powell Police Department, said she sees a man drive to Homesteader Park, drop his dogs at one end, and drive to the other end to pick them up. She has never actually seen one of his dogs defecate, however, so she hasn’t been able to issue a citation.

“The people that were seeing it didn’t want to sign a complaint,” she said, noting that the Police Department can’t fix it alone.

“It’s difficult to enforce unless you have a witness who will testify,” said Police Chief Tim Feathers.

In order to prosecute, one would need to identify the person and dog, and to know the time and date of the offense, said City Attorney Sandee Kitchen.
Municipal Judge James Allison said he’s never had a dog defecation case. He suggested a $100 fine, suspended if offenders cleaned up their messes and didn’t re-offend for six months.

http://www.powelltribune.com/news1.htm

[crim son]

1. The reporter should take a walk down one of the side streets here.

It's disgusting. I don't let my kids shit on the sidewalk and leave it... what's wrong with pet owners? :grr:

[ironflange]

2. I wonder. . .

Did any have little yellow flags in them?