'Feces-Littered:' UES Lawmaker Continues Fight Against Dog Poop

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Council Member Julie Menin has upped the ante in her fight against the scourge of sidewalk dog poo scofflaws.

Following last year's study that revealed a disgusting level of fecal bacteria in Upper East Side sidewalk puddles — and therefore, Upper East Side shoes — Menin introduced a bill, dubbed Int. 0281-2024, requiring the city to install dog-waste bag dispensers in all the boroughs to help rid the city of its crappy situation.

Last week, the New York City Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management held a hearing on street cleanliness, where fed-up New Yorkers discussed their frustrations over the growing dog waste problem.

"It is a responsibility, not an option, for individuals to curb their dog," Menin said. "Yet dog waste remains a problem that remains unaddressed, as the city experienced an uptick in complaints."

Danielle Avissar, an Upper East Side resident and parent, is leading the charge, with Menin. During the committee meeting, Avissar noted that the Upper East Side's dog feces problem has gotten extreme.

"Our feces-littered streets create an unsanitary and hazardous place to live, work, and play," Avissar added. "The last four years of the COVID pandemic have demonstrated the importance of disease prevention and mitigation tactics. Our neighborhood is a particularly vulnerable ecosystem where disease is easily spread by the high concentration of schools and small children in the area."

If the proposed bill becomes law, the new infrastructure would also be accompanied by a public awareness campaign in collaboration with the Department of Health on the negative public health consequences that dog waste can have.

"By promoting responsible pet ownership through a public awareness campaign and requiring the Department of Sanitation to install and fill dog waste bag dispensers on public litter baskets, New York City can play an integral role in fostering a cleaner and more enjoyable environment for all New Yorkers," Menin said.

According to Menin’s office, the city’s dog population produces 27,000 tons of excrement annually.

Under existing legislation, New Yorkers who fail to pick up their dog's waste could face a $250 fine, although enforcement of this rule is infrequent, officials said. City records indicate that only 18 citations were issued in 2022 for "failure to pick up canine waste," marking a decrease from the 72 tickets issued in 2019.

“Nothing ruins a morning commute like stepping in a dog’s business. I enthusiastically support Council Member Menin’s common-sense legislation to curb dog waste and keep our streets clean,” Council Member Shaun Abreu said. “It’s time to cut the crap once and for all.”

Menin continues to take the lead in promoting sanitation in New York City. Last year, she launched the Curb Your Dog Drawing and Design Contest, encouraging young artists, students, and community members of all ages to express their creativity and raise awareness about the necessity of dog waste cleanup.

The contest received a strong response from the community, and the winning design was shown throughout Council District 5, thanks to the cooperation of collaborating buildings, schools and neighborhood associations, according to Menin.