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City considers 'pooper-scooper' law

Mason considering a ordinance so people clean up after pet’s.

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By Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer Updated 9:42 AM Friday, July 24, 2009

People who don’t clean up after their dogs in Mason may step into an even bigger mess than they realize.

The city is working to craft an ordinance that would help beleaguered homeowners grappling with dog owners who refuse to clean up after their pets do their business.

The legislation comes on the heels of comments made by resident Nobel Johnston, who took his message of “not in my back yard” — or front yard, for that matter — to city council.

“They walk down my street, South West Street, all the time dirtying there and when I see them, I ask them to clean up after the dog. Some do, some don’t,” he said.

In one instance, Johnston said he saw the offending dog owners allow their pet to do his or her business on his lawn.

“I asked them to clean it up. They did not. So I followed them to see where they live so I could report it to the police,” he said. “They called the police on me for following them. So I ended up the victim twice.”

In another case, a man who Johnston stopped said he had run out of plastic bags and asked if he could provide one. “I gave him the stuff to clean it up with and he cleaned it up,” Johnston said.

Johnston said while there are laws protecting park property, private property remains unaddressed.

Mayor Tom Grossmann said it was impolite not to clean up after one’s pet. “People should be courteous enough not to do that,” he said.

A proposed “pooper scooper” ordinance is under review by committee, said Ken Schneider, the city’s law director. “Probably by the next meeting or the one after we should have something to be considered before the council,” he said.

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Good news! It's about time. This pooper scooper law should really be passed as soon as possible.

-Andrei
http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com

Andrei
10:53 PM, 8/18/2009

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It is so unfortunate that we have to waste taxpayer money to even discuss these types of laws/ordinances. With the economy the way it is the money could be better spent elsewhere. People should automatically be considerate of others and p/u after all their animals. No excuses.....

Courtesy
3:06 PM, 7/23/2009

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I look forward to the passing of the ordinance. I am tired of cleaning up after dogs in my front AND back yards.

Nancy Heslop
2:43 PM, 7/23/2009

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