Res. No. 437
Resolution calling upon the appropriate committee of the Council to conduct an oversight hearing on New York City’s insufficient enforcement of New York State Public Health Law 1310, relating to the removal of canine waste in cities.
By Council Members Baez, Barron, Clarke, Monserrate, Nelson, Sears, Vann, Gerson and Martinez
Whereas, The presence of unremoved dog waste from city sidewalks, streets, and gutters is not only unsightly, but is also extremely unsanitary; and
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the spread of parasitic diseases to humans and other animals, such as giardiasis, shigellosis, cryptosporidiosis and toxocariasis, may be attributed to bacterial contamination from animal waste; and
Whereas, According to the Stormwater Manager’s Resource Center, bacterial contamination of urban streams and watersheds may also be attributed to unremoved pet waste; and
Whereas, New York State Public Health Law 1310, also known as the “Pooper Scooper Law,” requires dog owners to remove feces left by their dogs on any sidewalk, gutter, street or other public area, the provisions of which are to be enforced by sanitation officers, dog enumerators, wardens or any other person authorized to issue tickets for parking violations; and
Whereas, The Daily News reported on April 22, 1997, that in fiscal years 1995 and 1996, 1,533 and 1324 summonses, respectively, were issued to enforce Public Health Law 1310; and
Whereas, Similarly, The New York Times reported on June 22, 2003, that the number of dog waste summonses fell from 1,117 in 2000, to 752 in 2001, and to just 445 in 2002, despite the fact that the number of dog owners had not decreased; and
Whereas, The New York Times also reported on June 22, 2003, that the 311 Citizen Service Center received 307 calls regarding dog waste, amounting to more complaints than all dog waste summonses written over the preceding six months; and
Whereas, Recently, the Department of Sanitation reported only 662 summonses issued citywide in violation of New York State Public Health Law 1310 for fiscal year 2004; and
Whereas, Furthermore, an education campaign by an appropriate City agency would make citizens aware of the importance of the “Pooper Scooper Law” and the existence of fines of up to $100 if such law is violated; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the appropriate committee of the Council to conduct an oversight hearing on New York City’s insufficient enforcement of New York State Public Health Law 1310, relating to the removal of canine waste in cities.
LS # 1282
6/23/04
JP/CR