Being a Responsible Dog Owner

NYC law requires you to pick up after your dog on sidewalks, streets, gutters, and parks. Carry bags with you. Tie the bag securely and put it in any public trash can. It's also the law to clean up at home — scoop at least weekly, and always before it rains, since rain washes waste directly into drains.

When you're near a beach, river, pond, or any body of water, keep your dog away from the water's edge and pick up right away. Dog waste near water is especially harmful because it washes in with very little travel. Never let your dog go near a water source if you can help it.

Bagging and trashing is the right move. Biodegradable bags are great for reducing plastic, but they still need to go in the trash — not on the trail, not on a fence, not in the bushes. Flushing is fine if you're on a city sewer system. Don't compost or bury dog waste. It doesn't neutralize the pathogens.

On walks, plan ahead. Bring more bags than you think you need, and carry what you pick up to the nearest trash can.

Not picking up carries fines of $200 to $400. Leash violations are separate and carry the same range.