The city of Mississauga is intensifying its efforts to address a persistent problem: the neglect of dog waste in public spaces. Despite ongoing appeals to pet owners to clean up after their dogs, officials report that unsightly messes continue to accumulate in parks and other areas throughout the city.
City spokesperson Irene McCutcheon highlighted the challenge of enforcing the existing bylaw, which allows for $115 fines for failure to dispose of dog waste properly. Instead of focusing solely on enforcement, Mississauga officials are prioritizing public education initiatives aimed at promoting the “stoop and scoop” philosophy.
In an email to INsauga.com, McCutcheon noted that this year, Animal Services officers have visited approximately 3,000 homes to distribute educational materials about the importance of responsible pet ownership. “We plan to increase and enhance these community engagement efforts moving forward,” she added.
To further amplify their message, Animal Services has made a “Stoop and Scoop” poster available online for residents to print and display.
Community-Centered Approach
The city’s strategy is centered on community involvement, emphasizing education over punitive measures. “Animal Services has embraced a community-centered strategy, with education as the cornerstone of tackling local concerns,” stated city officials. They engage directly with residents through the Animal Awareness and Responsibility Campaign, which aims to foster cooperation and identify those who neglect to clean up after their pets.
However, McCutcheon acknowledged the difficulties associated with issuing fines. “An officer must either witness the incident firsthand or receive evidence from a complainant that shows the failure to clean up,” she explained. Additionally, pet owners are often more responsible when they know an officer is present, making enforcement through patrols challenging.
Ongoing Issues with Waste Disposal
Scenes of improperly disposed dog waste remain common across Mississauga, highlighting the need for increased awareness. Under the city’s Animal Services Care and Control Bylaw, pet owners are required to clean up after their animals promptly, even on private property. Violations in residential areas are generally easier to manage, as officers can gather information about property ownership.
However, enforcement in public spaces like parks and trails proves more difficult. So far in 2024, Animal Services has investigated 52 complaints related to “stoop and scoop” violations on private properties, a slight decrease from 64 in 2023.
Recent social media posts from the city reveal that plastic bags filled with dog waste are frequently left in recycling bins, on trails, and in local parks, exacerbating the issue.
Environmental Impact of Dog Waste
With dog ownership on the rise in Canada’s seventh-largest city, officials estimate that Mississauga’s canine population generates approximately 23.6 million pounds (10,705 tonnes) of waste annually. Of this total, about 16.2 million pounds are disposed of correctly, leaving a staggering 7.4 million pounds of waste left outdoors where it can pose health risks to both humans and animals.
Despite a concerted effort in April to engage the dog owner community, the problem has continued to escalate. Earlier this year, officials warned that dog messes were “being left everywhere,” and have reiterated calls for responsible pet ownership since September 2022.
Mississauga’s approach underscores the belief that education and community engagement are key to resolving the ongoing dog waste dilemma, emphasizing the importance of responsibility among pet owners.
