SOUND OFF: Does Newport Have a Poop Problem?

Yesterday, we asked on Facebook if owners failing to clean up after their dogs on public streets and sidewalks was a significant issue in town.

Your answers were a resounding "Yes!"

Here's what a few of you had to say:

Kevin Boughton II: yes! i see bags that have been used, tied in a knot and then left on the sidewalk EVERYDAY! i have 2 dogs and pick up after both of them. the fact that someone would pick it up and leave the bag, irritates me to no end!

Carolyn Russo Cozad: I don't see dog poo or bags on the streets, but it wouldn't hurt to install dog poop bags....and add the "please pick up after your pet" signs

Lynn Underwood Ceglie: Newport had mutt mitts all over Newport. There is really no excuse to not pick up after your dog. The thing. that drives me crazy are owners who don't put their dogs on leashes. I can't go to Cliff Walk anymore because dogs just roam free on the path and my dog is terrified since the big dogs hover over her. There are also people who walk their dogs downtown unleashed. I see that the cemetery is off limits now???

Phil Landers: I see dog bags only at parks, not any on Thames street. Maybe they should put some poop bags on the main strip and not just at the parks.

Barbara J Causey-Costa: It's awful on Broadway by the Hospital all the way to Cranston Calvert School, it's like hopscotch thru the poo!!!!!

The community seems to agree that this is a problem, but the better question is "How do we fix it?" Is the blame on the owners for not picking up, the city for not enforcing ordinances, or a combination of both?

Should there be more dog bag stations and garbage cans around town or would you rather see police officers issuing citations? 

Leave your suggestions and thoughts in the comments and Patch will follow up with city officials to see what can be done to keep our streets cleaner.

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