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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