NYC Council passes package of bills to encourage dog poop cleanup
It would require the New York City Department of Sanitation to install at least 1,200 dog waste bag dispensers on trash bins across the city.
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The New York City Council voted to pass the Scoop Act, a package of bills that encourages dog owners to clean up their dogs' poop.
It would require the New York City Department of Sanitation to install at least 1,200 dog waste bag dispensers on trash bins across the city.
Dog owners like Alex Schweitzer say it would be helpful.
“Even just the other day, I realized I totally forgot I didn't have a bag on me, and I bummed one from another dog owner...So the fact that city council wants to put the little dispensers out there...that will be a great thing," said Schweitzer.
The NYC Department of Sanitation has previously expressed concern, saying the department doesn’t have the resources to restock these bags.
The NYC Council says 311 has received at least 2,926 dog waste complaints across the city so far this year. It is illegal not to pick up one’s dog's waste. Violators could face a fine of up to $250.
Residents like Deidre Taylor say it's not a deterrent for some people.
“They look around first and then they'll see if they see anybody. Then if nobody's around, then it's like they're like, ‘Forget it. I'm not doing anything,’" said Taylor.
The Scoop Act would also include signage about dog waste, educational campaigns and a pilot program to compost dog waste collection. It's pending the mayor's signature to be signed into law.
