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P.A. reminding residents to pick it up this Spring

Apr 14, 2016 | 11:46 AM

It stinks, looks unsightly and attracts flies and other pests. During a council meeting Monday, the issue of people failing to clean up after pets was brought to the attention of council.

Mayor Greg Dionne said council had a complaint from a resident about neighbouring dogs and wanted to know what they could do about it. Dionne said the bylaw dictates residents can be ordered to clean up their yard.

“We’re taking action to tell people to clean up their yards,” he said.

“I think it’s a problem in some areas and unfortunately it’s a problem with some dog owners,” Coun. Martin Ring said, explaining, the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw is quite specific in regards to picking up after pets.

“(Pet cleanup) really comes up in the spring after a long winter,” Ring said. “During the regular summer time, I think most people do pick up after their animals; or at least we hope so.”

Some Prince Albert residents aren’t surprised by the increased fine and are in favour of the increase.

Amanda Kongawi, a resident, believes when dog owners fail to pick up after their dog, it becomes a problem for everyone and believes the city should increase the fine even more.

“Especially with (my son) running around now, he doesn’t know to look for it,” she said.

Resident Doniven Montgrand, also noticed a lot of people in the area don’t pick up after their dogs.

“I actually stepped in it a few times,” he said. “That’s how I know.”

There are no plans to change the bylaw. Both Dionne and Ring agreed the bylaw is clear and specific surrounding this issue.

Currently, in public spaces, the fine for a resident not picking up after their pet can cost as much as $355. For yard clean up, residents are given 72 hours. After 72 hours, fines can range from $75 to $275.

 

Miranda.brumwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @mlbrumwell