Can I report my neighbor for not picking up after their dog in Milwaukee?

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12 hours ago

Between its patios and scenic trails, Milwaukee is a dog-friendly city.
But these perks sometimes come with a stinky problem: abandoned pet waste.
It's a messy problem, but residents don't have to step around it. There are ways to report offenders and help keep Milwaukee clean.
Can you be fined for not picking up your dog's poop in Milwaukee?
Yes, and it's not cheap. Whether people are walking their dogs on city streets, in a Milwaukee County park or just leaving them loose in their yard, they can be fined for not cleaning up after their pet.
The fine can be up to $500 in Milwaukee, said Jeremy McGovern, spokesperson for the Department of Neighborhood Services.
Homeowners who don't remove pet waste from their property can also be issued citations and reinspection fees, McGovern said.
Within Milwaukee County Parks, the fine is $200.50, said Todd Pisarski, Milwaukee County Park's manager of safety, security and training.
But park rangers typically ask visitors to pick up the waste before issuing them a ticket, he said.
"We prioritize education and stewardship of the parks before issuing citations," Pisarski said.
How do I report someone for not picking up after their pet?
In the city, you can call the Department of Neighborhood Services at 414-286-2543 or file a complaint online.
If you see this happen at a Milwaukee County park, you can call the general ranger at 414-257-7777. Pisarski noted that enforcement can be difficult if a park employee or ranger didn't witness the incident themselves.
Nonetheless, it's still helpful to report the issue to the county. The county uses these calls to target patrol efforts, Pisarski said.
If you feel comfortable, it's not a bad idea to gently ask someone to pick up after their pet, he added.
"We certainly could use everyone's help," Pisarski said. "They could carefully advise them that picking up after their pets is part of the Milwaukee County Park rules and local ordinance."
McGovern, on the other hand, recommended avoiding confrontation. He said to collect photo or video evidence and report it to the Department of Neighborhood Services.
Can I get a reward for reporting people who don't clean up after their pets?
Milwaukee offers a $1,000 reward for those who report illegal dumpers, but reporting pet waste isn't eligible for the reward, McGovern said.
Milwaukee County doesn't offer a reward program, either.
I heard that dog poop is good for the environment. Is that true?
No, dog feces is a health and environmental risk.
Wildlife feces is beneficial because it returns the nutrients the animals ate from the ecosystem back to the environment.
Pets, on the other hand, have commercial diets that introduce nitrogen and phosphorus to the environment, according to Leave No Trace, a nonprofit that aims to protect the outdoors.
Dog feces may also carry bacteria and parasites that can transmit to other dogs and humans. The feces can also wash into storm drains, lagoons and rivers, Pisarski said.
"With so many positive activities taking place in our parks, responsible pet ownership is a key part of keeping them clean and enjoyable for everyone," Pisarski said. "And of course, stepping in dog feces is a very unpleasant experience for park users."
Tell us: Do you frequently see dog poop in your neighborhood? What other questions do you have about this topic? Reach Public Investigator reporter Gina Castro at [e-mail] or fill out the form below.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is it illegal not to clean up after your dog in Milwaukee?
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