Asharoken passes law requiring dog owners to clean up after pets

Village trustees have passed a law expanding the code on dogs to make it an offense with a fine of up to $250 for pet owners who do not pick up after their dogs.

Like the rest of the village code on dogs – which also prohibits nuisance barking and unleashed dogs – failure to pick up and properly dispose of a dog’s waste will soon result in a fine of “not more than” $250, under the amendment that officials passed May 2.

“The failure to remove and properly dispose of dog feces from private and public streets and other places creates a public nuisance and endangers the public health, safety and general welfare of the village,” according to the code amendment.

The village has filed the local law with the state. It will take effect when Asharoken officials receive confirmation of receipt, the village clerk said Monday.

-Valerie Bauman