Warning To North Hills Homeowners: Clean Up After Your Pets, Or Else
NORTH HILLS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A new proposed law in North Hills, Long Island is designed to make sure homeowners clean up after Fido and Fifi.
The law would require homeowners to promptly remove dog poop from their own lawns, driveways and walking paths, place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it in a covered trash bin or face a fine, CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan reported.
"If it is a health hazard in a public area, and you are an adjoining property owner, it could just as well be a health hazard to your neighbor if you don't properly pick up the feces from your own property," North Hills Mayor Marvin Natiss said.
Warning To North Hills Homeowners: Clean Up After Your Pets, Or Else
The law comes in response to a resident who complained that a neighbor wasn't cleaning up after their dogs and the lawn was littered with feces.
"They have two small children. An adjoining property owner was allowing a dog to drop its feces, was not promptly picking up after the dog, and the neighbor was concerned it was a health hazard to their own children," Natiss explained.
Currently, there is a public dog clean up law, but this law would be for private properties, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
The mayor said he and the Board of Trustees acted swiftly -- amending the animal nuisance ordinance, which will be voted on following a public hearing.
Some animal advocates who spoke with CBS 2's McLogan said they agree dog owners need to be responsible for their own animals, but worry that North Hills is going too far, infringing on the rights of property owners.
"This law is likely to be subject to challenge because it does seem to be a bit intrusive, over the top, unnecessary," said Nassau Animal Advocate Attorney Beverly Poppell.
Natiss said he doesn't expect too many people to break the new law. But if a resident does not obey, they will be fined between $50 and $200, Hall reported.
The property owners' public hearing will be held Wednesday night at North Hills Village Hall.
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