Patch Readers Agree on Rochester's Pooch Poop Problem

We recently re-posted a note from a Rochester Patch reader:

"I recently got a new puppy and while walking her around town I noticed just how many people don't pick up after their dogs," the reader wrote.

"Now, don't get me wrong, I've definitely been caught without a bag and I know no one is perfect but it is just a mess out there! So I wondered if you might just offer a friendly reminder to dog walkers to do their best to try to pick up after them? We have such a pretty city with great paths and sidewalks - not to mention lots of nice, new trash cans - that I think we could all make an effort to keep it that way!"

Patch readers immediately agreed with the writer — and offered their opinions on the problem, both in the comments on the story and on Facebook, too.

Here are an excerpt of reader opinions: 

People need to be respectful with their dogs. A city doesn't have to stock bags at taxpayers expense, dog owners are suppose to have them on them at all times. People need to pick up if not, there could be a backlash, and dogs could be prohibited from walking in the city-there was movement before due to this very issue and that would be a shame for a few to spoil it for those that are responsible. — Patricia Kane

I have posed this question to a friend of mine who works for the city: "what if someone donated dog waste bag dispensers to the city?" His response was "who would be in charge of refilling them?" The city is already responsible for 50+ garbage cans from downtown to the park. ... It seems extreme but perhaps the city could send out the foot patrol and issue fines if they catch someone neglecting their animal waste. — David Gifford

I frequently take my dog to an open field at OU just off Adams Road to chase her ball. It's interesting to watch people drive up and let their dogs out of the car just so they can do their business. They have no intention of picking it up and appearently don't want the mess in their own back yards. — Mike Kolkjen

I could not believe my eyes when I went into Petsmart a couple weeks ago and saw that someone had let their dog do its business right in the center aisle of the store! ... The staff at the store told me that happens ALL the time there. I can't even get my head around how a person can do that....very sad. — Kim

I think there are a lot of people that don't understand the rules regarding this issue...or know that there actually are rules. The Rochester Hills Code (Chapter 14-12)  requires the owner of any dog to clean up after the dog and properly dispose the dog waste, when walking the dog on a public right of way. — Jeff Olejniczak 

It's a real issue - both for sanitation and the environment. I've been a dog owner in Rochester for 12 years and it is always frustrating to see people look the other way when their dogs do their business, especially on the Paint Creek and Clinton River trails and in more secluded areas of our parks. Just because it is public property and a natural area does not mean that it is acceptable to leave your dog's waste lying around. — Jessica Pitelka Opfer 

There have times when my little guy has gone more than once (RARELY happens) and I have gone BACK to pick it up (I have literally marked the spot with sticks so I know where to look)...even if it means bringing my baby back out with me. — Angie Bryant-Petkoff 

What do you think? Should the cities start enforcing ordinances that require dog owners to clean up after their pets?