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Nothing ruins a walk through the neighborhood faster than stepping into something smelly and squishy—and New Yorkers say it’s happening way too often. A new report shows complaints about dog poop are piling up across the five boroughs, with residents calling out careless owners, weak enforcement and a shortage of free bag dispensers.
According to the city’s Office of Technology and Innovation, which oversees the 311 system, dog waste complaints jumped to 1,950 this year through August 21, up from 1,750 during the same period last year. Gothamist’s analysis of the data revealed one particularly stinky hotspot: Washington Heights’ 10032 zip code, where complaints skyrocketed more than 700 percent. Flatbush and Far Rockaway followed close behind.
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New York’s “pooper scooper law” has been on the books for nearly 50 years, requiring owners to clean up after their pups or face fines of up to $250. But enforcement is rare—only eight tickets have been issued in the past two years—leaving sidewalks as fecal minefields. “Sometimes you see that somebody’s dog has a really big accident,” said Washington Heights resident Jacqueline Zelaya, who calls the mess “elephant poop.”
Even well-meaning owners can make matters worse. Some dutifully bag their dogs’ business, then abandon the bags under trees or scaffolding, creating smelly mounds that are no less gross. And while the Parks Department has installed more than 1,100 free bag dispensers since 2017, 51 city zip codes still don’t have a single one.
The Department of Sanitation admits the problem is a quality-of-life issue. Officials say they’ve tried patrols and ad campaigns and are even exploring mobile cameras to catch violators in the act. Still, enforcement is tricky: Officers must witness the offense firsthand. “If you’re responsible enough to own a dog, you should be responsible enough to clean up after it,” Staten Island Councilmember Frank Morano told amNew York.
Public health experts warn that the issue goes beyond ruined sneakers. Dog waste can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites like Giardia, E. coli and Staph, posing risks for kids and people with weaker immune systems.
Until there are more bag dispensers, tougher enforcement—or maybe just a little more peer-to-peer shaming—the city’s sidewalks will remain a game of hopscotch, so watch your step.