By Linda Stinnett

When the idea of a future animal waste ordinance was presented to the Derby City Council this past week, it met mixed reaction.

For those who live along public pathways where local residents walk their dogs, it can be a serious problem if those walkers do not clean up the mess which occasionally occurs.

“If you live on a corner with a sidewalk, you have all kinds of surprises,” said Jim Craig, council member. “I deal with it every day.”

Another resident, whose yard opens onto Chet Smith, has already posted signs asking passersby to be aware of the issue. 

“Please be responsible for your dog’s waste. Thank You. The Community” the sign reads.

For others, it almost seemed a waste of governmental time and money. It also garnered the nickname Poochie Poo Poo Ordinance from some council members who made light of the subject.

After discussion, the council members did agree to put the subject on their priority list. It was low on the list, at number 10.

City Manager Kathy Sexton said signs in another community caught her attention and made her realize it may be a larger problem than most think. Typically, the problem with animal waste along public sidewalks is at the least considered rude, she said. 

However, the signs Sexton read while visiting another community made her realize it also can harm the environment. She cited recent information from the Arkansas River Coalition, which is concerned with the amount of droppings from a thriving population of Canada geese in the area. The coalition has reported that an adult Canada goose leaves one-fourth pound of droppings daily – which adds to the amount of fecal coliform bacteria in watersheds.

The logical assumption is that dog droppings left in public areas could be just as bad.

There are stations in the Garrett Park area which provide baggies for owners who are walking their dogs. Providing citywide stations could be expensive, Sexton said. However, an ordinance would prompt many to provide their own.

“A lot of it, like many ordinances, is the educational piece,” she said.

While the city staff has yet to look into creating an ordinance, council members expressed their concern with enforcement.

“Dog droppings don’t come with a bar code,” said Heath Horyna, council member.

Sexton said it would have to be an ordinance similar to barking dogs, where residents would have to be willing to sign complaints to take the matter to court. Today’s camera phones also provide easy evidence on lawbreakers, she said.

“It’s about being able to identify people with those pets,” she said.

She also emphasized that this type of ordinance is not meant to be the first action by victims. Neighbors still need to talk to neighbors, it was emphasized.

Craig said in many situations a polite visit from a tactful police officer can arbitrate the problem and save hard feelings.

“When police go to the door, they say, ‘Somebody really cares about your barking dog,’” he said. “It can be handled in a way where it’s a win-win situation.”

City staff will research the issue and other communities’ efforts before returning to the council with a potential ordinance in the future.

 

User Comments

• Here's a remedy..

  "get rid of the sidewalks."

  Posted by James on Feb. 16, 2012

• More regulations

  "I miss the old derby back in 1970's where regulations were less. If the city board had its way they would next outlaw pets all togather. "

  Posted by Chad Parker on Feb. 15, 2012

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