Municipal Enforcement Services will be patrolling in April as part of a "Pick Up or Pay Up" campaign to reinforce responsible pet ownership, according to a release provided by City of St. Albert. That means pet owners are expected to pick up after their dogs or risk fines, as a result of increased enforcement. The campaign emphasizes the importance of picking up to be respectful of your fellow resident.
The City also hopes stronger enforcement will change the behaviour of residents who do not follow the rules.
Officers will have zero tolerance for the following Animal Bylaw provisions:
• All dog feces must be picked up immediately when not on the owners’ property.
• Dog owners/walkers must always have a plastic bag or other appropriate means to be able to pick up after their dogs. They must be able to show the bag if asked by a peace officer.
• Residents must always bring their own bags, and if they wish, they can provide extra disposable bags for the dispensers for others to use.
"Dog feces around parks and trails continues to be a common complaint received by Municipal Enforcement Services," City of St. Albert said in a release. "As a result of continued non-compliance, the City has had to hire a contractor to conduct two annual ‘clean ups’ a year – one in late spring/early summer after snow melt and the other in the autumn before snow fall."
The campaign will occur throughout the city in April, but enforcement continues year-round to promote responsible pet ownership and education messaging.
