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Tab 11
Ledger, The (Lakeland, FL)
April 12, 2012
Section: News
Ordinance Requires Dundee Pet Owners to Scoop the Poop
Author: DONNA KELLY
DUNDEE Doo doo is a don't in Dundee. And if your dog does it where it shouldn't, it could cost
you $100. Town commissioners unanimously approved on first reading Tuesday an ordinance
requiring pet owners to immediately scoop the poop left by their animals on any property, public
or private, not owned by that person. The measure also requires the feces be placed in a container
and put in a garbage Dumpster or flushed down a toilet.
If approved on final reading April 24, the ordinance would be enforced by the town's Code
Enforcement Department with violations resulting in a fine up to $100. Pet owners will not be
required to pick up poop in their own yards. "It's a very simplified, basic ordinance," said Town
Manager Andy Stewart. But Commissioner Randy Dowd questioned the town's ability to
enforce the law. "It seems like we are imposing an ordinance that is basically unenforceable," he
said.
Town Attorney John Murphy and Stewart said residents can help by reporting violations to town
staff and creating documentation of violations with photos and videos. "The resident who has an
issue with a dog can take photos. If it becomes an issue, code enforcement could bring a violator
in front of the special magistrate," Stewart said.
Fines will increase if the problem continues by the same pet owner. The issue was brought to the
commission's attention during its March 13 meeting by resident Dolores Washington, who
requested the ordinance to help with an issue she faces in her neighborhood. The request led to
the ordinance, which is based on a one used by Alachua County. Commissioner Sam Pennant
said he is pleased the town is addressing the issue. "Mrs. Washington is not the only citizen in
this town with this problem. If we have to amend our code to put something there, I'm all for
this," he said March 13.
Stewart said Wednesday the town experiences similar pet waste problems on the paths around
lakes Marie and Menzie. "We have a lot of walking trails around the lakes and we've had issues
where pet owners have allowed pets to use the bathroom on paved trails," he said.
To deal with the issue, the town installed bag dispensers to encourage pet owners to dispose of
animal waste. Bags are refilled periodically. But some folks don't use the bags.
Stewart said the new ordinance will help address these sanitation issues. "It's really something
you would imagine would be common courtesy but it formalizes a process for those who might
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