Yonkers raises fines to $5,000 for repeat offenders to curb dog waste problem
YONKERS, New York (WABC) -- There are signs urging dog owners to clean up after their pets are posted across Yonkers - on city property, in front of homes and even on displays created by the Downtown Business Improvement District. But despite the reminders, residents say the problem continues.
"People aren't picking up the dog poop. You know what I mean? And since the winter it's gotten worse," Yonkers resident Carlos Confeiteiro said.
City officials are now turning to steeper penalties. A new ordinance raises the maximum fine for repeat offenders to $5,000, far above the previous maximum of $1,500.
"We're not going to get fined. But, I think it should be imposed because you're walking around and then you step in dog poop, you come home and you're like, what's that smell?" one person said.
Enforcement, however, may be difficult. Police officers must witness someone failing to clean up in order to issue a ticket. Code enforcement officers can cite landlords who allow waste to accumulate in front of their properties.
Mayor Mike Spano, who recorded a message promoting the ordinance, said the higher fine is meant to get people's attention.
"We think that there may be a certain shock value to that number. That people look at that number and go, you know what? This is not something I really want to mess around with. Why don't I just use the bag and clean up after my dog," he said.
The city has added more disposal bag dispensers, and the downtown business improvement district has funded several of its own.
"$5,000 is a lot of money. But you know what? Clean up after your dog. I love them too. But please, just clean up after your dog," said Sara Brody of the Yonkers Downtown Business Improvement District.
The ordinance goes into effect mid-May.
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