Some dog owners are not getting the message that it's not just common courtesy to clean up after their pets, it's a requirement.
Chatham-Kent police issued a reminder to residents in May to keep their dogs on a leash and pick-up their excrements. However, officials with Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) said they have recently received numerous complaints in communities across Chatham-Kent.
"We get a lot of complaints about people leaving dog excrement in public areas, usually in the city cores of Chatham, Ridgetown, Blenheim, and Wallaceburg," said Benjamin Van Eyk, manager of animal control in Chatham-Kent. "It's often in either public parks or schoolyards after hours or even cemeteries."
Not picking up after dogs may be a case of negligence, but Van Eyk said it may also be a case of owners not being aware of the Chatham-Kent Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
"It actually reads in the bylaw 'you must remove it forthwith', which means pretty much immediately and it must be sanitarily disposed of," he said.
If a complaint is called in, Van Eyk said bylaw officers will be sent out. In some cases, officials will make home visits to educate people about what they are required to do as a responsible owner.
"Even if people do have excessive amounts on their own property... if it's causing problems for the neighbours -- especially with the warm weather and the smell -- we can call and give them a home visit too," he said.
Although there is a $240 fine associated with not picking up after a dog, Van Eyk said that is really a last resort.
"We always try to educate before giving a fine and we give some time for people to clean it up, too. If it's on their own property, we'll give them an order, which basically gives them a few days to pick it up," he said. "After that point, if they fail to do it -- or it's a repeat offence, they will be issued a $240 fine."
Van Eyk said if residents do see someone not following bylaw, they can call PAWR at (226) 996-9969.