Jackson Heights Life

I dunno why, but my block always has a pile of poop in the same damn spot on the sidewalk.  Also, one of my building's tenants allows her dogs to crap in the garden in front of the building, which is even more annoying.  Me being a newcomer, and she an older woman that's lived there for years, I'm not sure how to address that politely without getting an earful.

There's really no excuse for not cleaning after your dog.  Honestly a lot of people in JH don't think they should have to bother. (that goes for garbage too!)  I walk my dog three-four times a day for long walks.  When he poops, we put a newspaper under his behind so he doesn't mess up the sidewalk.  Pick it up, fold and carry to the nearest can or home if necessary. (You never have to touch it either) I know where the cans are, they are out there, you might have to walk a few blocks.  But even if you pick it up in a bag, the responsibility issue doesn't change. Why does not having a garbage can every block matter?  If your dog messes, clean it up.
It's what being a responsible dog owner, indeed a responsible person (and neighbor) is about.  Anyone who doesn't do it is selfish and bad neighbor. Period.  There are no excuses.

and don't eat yellow snow.   

Here's an interesting article from AMNY.com on how the number of poop-scoop fines issued over the past year have actually decreased in numbers.  Some attribute this to the 2008 increase in the actual fine amount from $100 to $250.  In other words, people may be respecting the pooper-scooper law for fear of having to pay the higher amount.  Others don't see it that way because they claim to see no change or improvement on their neighborhood streets.

The Sanitation Department crew in charge of issuing fines is very small.  According to the article, it's only a crew of 24 people that cover the city in search of poop violators and other related K-9 violations.  They claim that it's difficult to issue fines because people have to be caught in the act, and the only way they know of areas to patrol is via complaints that have been called into the city's 311 Hotline.  Based on that, if there is a noticeable increase of complaints in a particular area, then the city sends out a crew member to patrol.

Fewer fines poop-scoop fines for careless dog owners