Pooper Scoopers
Jerry Foshee is proposing a new law that would create a fine for those that allow their pets to defecate while on walks in public places. The idea of this law is to encourage people to carry pooper scoopers and clean up after their pets in public. This would supposedly clean up a problem we now have. What do you guys think?
Kelly Ogle wasn't in favor of the idea in his two cents.
When I went to Germany a few years ago, I remember they had strict laws concerning cleaning up after your pets. Could it work here? Germany also enforced the law too. I'm afraid this may be just another law that our already stretched police department won't be able to act on.
Personally, I agree with Mick Cornett here. I just don't think we could enforce such a law.
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Official proposes rule to get pet owners to clean up their act
By Bryan Dean
The Oklahoman
An Oklahoma City councilman says he is tired of seeing city parks and neighborhood streets treated like a giant litter box.
Tosha Barber of Stillwater plays with her dog, Mason, at Paw Park in Oklahoma City. Guests are asked to clean up after their pets at the park. Photo by Bryan Terry
Ward 5 Councilman Jerry Foshee is proposing an ordinance to require pet owners to carry a plastic bag or other equipment to clean up after the animals when taking them for a walk.
Those caught violating the ordinance could be fined $200, plus court costs.
The council voted 7-2 Tuesday to set the ordinance for a final hearing at the July 19 council meeting.
Mayor Mick Cornett and Ward 8 Councilman Patrick Ryan voted against the ordinance, saying it is too broad and would be too hard to enforce.
Taking responsibility
The city's current laws require owners to clean up after their pets, but Foshee said the law is unenforceable because a police officer has to witness a dog defecate and watch the owner walk away before taking any action.
He said because the new ordinance would require pet owners to carry plastic bags or other cleaning materials, police officers could simply ask to see a pet owner's cleaning materials.
"At least it gives police officers a tool if it becomes a problem," Foshee said.
The city's current ordinance is similar to Tulsa's, but Foshee said New York City has a law similar to the one he is proposing.
He said several other cities require pet owners to carry cleaning materials in tourist areas.
Owners who took their dogs Tuesday to Paw Park, the city's dog park at 3303 NW Grand Blvd., said they wouldn't mind the new rule.
Brady Whisenhunt of Oklahoma City said he cleans up after his dog, Diesel, and expects others to do the same.
"It's part of being a responsible pet owner," Whisenhunt said.
Whisenhunt said he rarely sees owners deliberately not clean up after their dogs at Paw Park.
The park has several dispensers with free plastic bags and plenty of places to dispose of them.
The park also has several signs asking pet owners to clean up with slogans like, "If 'doody' calls, pick it up."
Still, the rule isn't always followed. Kristi Wohler of Oklahoma City said she often sees the rule violated when she brings her dog, Bosco, to Paw Park.
"It's not that hard to pick it up and find a trash can," Wohler said.
"I just use a plastic bag."
Foshee said he has had numerous calls from all over the city complaining about dog owners not cleaning up after their pets both on public and private property.
"We have beautiful parks, and it's a shame that some selfish individuals can cause a negative impact on our parks," Foshee said.
Some say ordinance won't solve problem
Other council members aren't convinced the new ordinance would be any easier to enforce than the current one.
Ryan said he walks in the mornings and recognizes the problem. But he doesn't see the new ordinance solving it.
"A good ordinance that is not enforceable is worse than no ordinance or a bad ordinance, because I think it creates in people's mind a disrespect for the law," Ryan said.
"Perhaps if the ordinance was more limited in nature, where it applies only in parks, the enforcement issue would be slightly more manageable."
Ward 1 Councilman Gary Marrs voted in favor of setting the ordinance for a final hearing later this month but said he is also concerned that it will be too difficult to enforce.
"I totally disagree with that," Foshee said. "It really just calls for common courtesy. People should be responsible ... and clean up after their own pets.""
Originally Posted by Patrick
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