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Scoop the poop or pay a fine, cities tell dog owners

Many Miami Valley communities have or are considering pooper scooper laws requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets.

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By Margo Rutledge Kissell, Staff Writer Updated 11:54 AM Thursday, February 18, 2010

Riverside is the latest Miami Valley community to consider a pooper scooper law requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets.

City Council will have the second reading tonight, Feb. 18, on the proposed nuisance ordinance that would require the removal of animal excrement on public or private property or the dog owner could face a minor misdemeanor citation carrying a fine of up to $150.

Beavercreek, Englewood, Fairborn, Kettering, Miamisburg and Troy are among area municipalities that have similar ordinances on the books. In Huber Heights, a dog owner could face up to a $500 fine if the animal waste is not removed from a city park.

“It’s a common courtesy. Just pick up after your dog,” said Riverside City Councilman Mike Smith, who proposed the ordinance.

Councilwoman Shirley Reynolds wonders how the city would enforce it. “If we’re not going to enforce it, don’t do it,” she said.

Judy Kohl, Kettering’s community services officer, said she has issued only a handful of dog droppings citations during her 21 years on the job.

“It’s very difficult to enforce,” she said. “How do you catch that happening?”

A year ago, Kohl proposed that Kettering amend its ordinance to include more specific language requiring owners to have “a visible means of picking up” after their dog. The revision has yet to be considered by Kettering City Council.

Fairborn resident Jennifer Kochaney, who owns a cocker spaniel, is glad her city has a pooper scooper law. “I know I wouldn’t want to walk through my yard and step in something,” she said.

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