The Maple City is a great place for dog walking, but too often pet owners are not cleaning up when man’s best friend makes a mess, the Hornell Board of Public Safety was told last week.
Deputy Mayor Jessica Cleveland said the city is experiencing a “lot of issues with dog feces” being left on the ground and not disposed of as required by law.
The problem turns up on neighborhood streets, in city parks and at special events, officials said.
Mayor John Buckley called the situation a continual “source of frustration.”
Particularly discouraging, according to the mayor, is dog droppings left behind in city parks even though all of them − James Street, Shawmut and Union Square − have dog waste stations onsite for owners who may have forgotten to bring along poop scoopers.
Dog feces have even plagued Hornell Partners for Growth events downtown, with the leavings left “literally steps away from the dispenser” multiple times, Buckley said.
What Hornell is doing about the problem
Cleveland said the city has been issuing tickets to pet owners, with doorbell cameras serving as an occasional enforcement tool.
Cleveland said when homeowners contact the city with video proof of misdeeds, “we are happy to send the message that it is not OK.”
It’s unclear if that message is getting through, however.
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City codes allow a maximum fine of $250 for not cleaning up after a dog defecates on public or private property. The maximum does not increase for multiple violations.
Notably, the code does not set a minimum fine.
“This is true of many violations and something we are working to address, not just as it relates to dogs and dog feces but many items,” Cleveland said in email follow up after the BPS meeting.
In the meantime, Cleveland said, “It takes just a little bit of effort. It’s unfortunate it happens.”
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