Caufield Association of Neighbors

What Not to Do with the Doggie-do

Apr 02, 2003

The following column was copied from an insert written by the Barlow Crest neighbors in Oregon City and inserted into the Park Place Neighborhood Newsletter by request. It has been discussed at Caufield neighborhood meetings and warrants a re-print.

With warmer weather approaching, there are more people working in their yards and walking around the neighborhood. It?’s a great way to catch up with your neighbors and meet new neighbors. As more people are walking their dogs and getting much-needed exercise, there have been many more complaints about dog ?“droppings?”. Some neighbors have had to put up signs to encourage dog owners to clean up after their dogs. Perhaps it is time to remind folks that not only is this impolite, and bad for the environment, but it is actually against the law. Did you know there are city ordinances that clearly cover these matters? It is Title Nine under Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.

9.12.040 Offensive littering by an animal. Any person in control of an animal which defecates on the property of another without permission of the property owner, or upon any public way as defined in ORS 164.805(2), commits the offense of permitting offensive littering by an animal if said person fails to promptly remove and properly dispose of the animal waste. (Ordinance 91-1032 1, 1991) Furthermore, the City enforces each complaint as a ?“nuisance complaint, which carries a $300.00 fine per occurrence. Please pick up after your dogs, even urine can kill grass and plants.

Cats can be kept out of gardening spots by distributing orange peels. They don?’t like the oils in the skin and the peels make good compost. Should you need further information about the city code, contact Nancy Busch, Code Enforcement, City of Oregon City (503) 496-1571 or (503) 657-0891.

Let?’s be neighborly and take pride in keeping our neighborhoods
clean and green.