NEW YORK (PIX11) — A collection of bills aimed at cleaning up after dogs do their business is being proposed, the New York City Council announced Friday.
Following the major winter snowstorms, complaints about dog waste on 311 spiked across the city, up 35.8%, according to officials.
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The Safe and Clean Outdoor Ownership Practices (SCOOP) Act will expand access to waste bags, start a pilot program to compost waste collected at dog runs, begin a new public awareness campaign, and increase enforcement.
“Having clean streets and sidewalks isn’t just a quality of life issue; it’s also a public health matter that the Council’s SCOOP Act legislation will help address,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Today is about giving dogs and their busy owners more resources, and friendly reminders to care for their furry friends and for their community.”
The Council also launched social media accounts that New Yorkers could follow and take part in community-organized cleanups.
To promote the bill, Maxine the Fluffy Corgi was appointed by Speaker Menin as the first-ever Dog Speaker and will serve as an honorary co-sponsor of the SCOOP Act.
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The City’s Dog Mayor, Simon, and Deputy Dog Mayor, Pepper, also “agreed to serve” as honorary co-sponsors.
Andrew Cruz is a digital content producer. A native New Yorker, he joined PIX11 in 2009 as a weather producer. More of his work can be found here.
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