Latest news with #petwaste
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Can I report my neighbor for not picking up after their dog in Milwaukee?
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 gcastro@ or fill out the form below. Contact Public Investigator Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to publicinvestigator@ or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is it illegal not to clean up after your dog in Milwaukee? Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Family Biz 'Tidy Tails' Offers Pet Waste Removal in Atlanta
Mother and son duo launch Tidy Tails Waste Solutions, a metro Atlanta pet waste removal service, after a house fire in 2022 inspired them to give back time and peace of mind to pet owners. ATLANTA, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world that often moves too fast for the little things, one Atlanta-based family is slowing down and stepping up — one yard at a time. Tidy Tails Waste Solutions, a pet waste removal service, is officially open for business across the metro Atlanta area, offering dog poop pickup and pooper scooper services for busy pet parents, seniors, property managers, and pet-friendly businesses. What makes this launch special? It's a labor of love between a 72-year-old mother and her son who turned an unexpected life shift into an inspiring business venture. "We've always believed that dignity can be found in any kind of work," says Nasceas Timms, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer. "After a house fire in 2022 left our family displaced, and with my mother struggling to care for our aging boxer, we realized there was a real need for services that support both pets and the people who love them. At Tidy Tails Waste Solutions, we're not just scooping poop; we're giving back time and peace of mind to busy pet parents and businesses across metro Atlanta!" Tidy Tails Waste Solutions offers residential and commercial pet waste cleanup — specializing in weekly, bi-weekly, and one-time pooper scooping. They also offer yard sanitation, deodorization, and aeration. Their client base ranges from elderly pet owners to apartment complexes, HOAs and other dog friendly businesses. But what sets them apart isn't just the reliable service — it's the personal care behind every scoop. "I may be 72, but it's never too late to start something new," says co-founder Bessie Taylor. "This business gives me purpose, and it helps other seniors like me keep their yards clean without risk of injury or strain. Some people need a pet and I'm excited to own a company along with my son, that allows everyone to have a pet because now there's a way to properly clean up after them." Tidy Tails is pleased to offer services in the following Georgia counties: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale. The company is fully bonded and insured, locally owned and operated, and committed to environmentally responsible pet waste disposal. Their friendly technicians and family-run approach are already making a significant positive impact on both the environment and the community they serve. For interviews, press inquiries, or high-res assets, contact: Tidy Tails Waste SolutionsAttn: PR Dept P: (404) 902-8439, Ext 3E: info@ About Tidy Tails Waste SolutionsTidy Tails Waste Solutions is a locally owned, family-operated pet waste removal company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded by a mother-and-son duo, the company is committed to helping busy pet owners, seniors, and property managers maintain clean, healthy, and poop-free outdoor spaces. With services ranging from weekly dog poop pickup to one-time yard cleanups and commercial dog waste removal, Tidy Tails offers reliable, affordable, and hygienic solutions that make pet ownership easier. Backed by exceptional customer service and five-star reviews, Tidy Tails Waste Solutions is proud to be Atlanta's most trusted name in pet waste management. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Tidy Tails Waste Solutions
CTV News
07-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Dog poop isn't allowed in Sudbury roadside litter containers
City officials are reminding the public that they don't want to see dog waste left in litter bins around Greater Sudbury. The city of Greater Sudbury has approximately 230 roadside litter containers across the municipality and staff want to remind residents dog waste is not allowed in them. Nataly Whissell, Manager of Collection and Recycling says its not uncommon for the city to do a mail blitz to send out reminders of where the waste should go instead. 'They should be bringing it home. A couple of options there. Mixing it with your regular garbage. So we do have a maximum amount of 10% volume in your garbage can, residents can also participate in a dog waste digester support program. They can flush their the dog feces in the toilet. They can consider hiring a company to remove the pet waste. And, of course, there's always the option to deliver the extra pet waste directly to a landfill site,' she said. Whissell tells CTVNews there are several reasons why people are not allowed to dispose of pet waste in the containers. 'Often, times when there's too much dog waste in a bin, it'll cause it to be overloaded, it becomes overweight and then we can't collect from it. So we have to send extra resources out to collect. It also makes roadside litter containers pretty dirty and smelly for anybody in the surrounding area and certainly increases the likelihood that the waste collector and surrounding properties and surrounding vehicles could be sprayed with the disease causing bacteria found in dog poop,' she said. Michel Babin walks his dog along Bancroft Drive sometimes up to three times a day. Often finding dog poop bags and trash on the side of the road. 'I've been putting it into the garbage bins with the last one. It says waste…I didn't even know. I had no clue," he said. Hope McKinlay has a 3-year-old dog and says it doesn't make sense. 'There's a garbage bin for garbage. You want me to put my Gatorade bottles, my food waste, stuff like that but I can't put actual waste like 100% not if it's human. Maybe not, but dog waste is kind of the one thing that the reason is the garbage. So it's not just strewn along the trails where people walk, where they hike. I wouldn't want to step in that. I'd rather it be in the garbage,' she said. For more information on pet waste visit
Sustainability Times
06-06-2025
- Sustainability Times
Chinese Product Designer Yihan Luo Showcased 'Pikapoo' at Milan Design Week 2025
By Hina Dinoo Her award-winning autonomous pet waste system, Pikapoo, was featured at Tortona Design Week as part of Milan Design Week 2025 under the theme 'Design rEvolution: Creative Connections.' Chinese product designer Yihan Luo recently presented her groundbreaking robotic system Pikapoo at the 2025 edition of Milan Design Week, the world's most influential design event. Her project was exhibited within the Tortona Design Week district—one of the festival's key venues—under the curatorial theme 'Design rEvolution: Creative Connections.' The showcase highlighted innovative design responses to contemporary social and environmental challenges, and Luo's project stood out for its integration of sustainable technology, user-centered design, and urban health awareness. Held from April 7 to 13, 2025, Tortona Design Week transformed Milan's Tortona district into a dynamic laboratory of creativity, innovation, and research. Under the theme 'Design rEvolution: Creative Connections,' the event celebrated the power of connections in the design world, bringing together disciplines, ideas, and visions to create a week of discoveries and inspiration. The district hosted a diverse array of exhibitions and installations, focusing on smart materials, sustainable infrastructures, and designs that engage the senses. International brands and designers converged to explore new perspectives on contemporary design, fostering a dialogue that merges aesthetics, technology, and functionality. Conceived during China's COVID-19 lockdown, Pikapoo emerged from Luo's observations of widespread pet waste on neighborhood lawns and her user research into pet owner behaviors. Many respondents mistakenly believed that dog feces acted as natural fertilizer. In truth, dog waste contains bacteria harmful to vegetation and public health. Existing cleanup tools offered little innovation—often requiring direct contact and lacking eco-friendly disposal methods. In response, Luo developed Pikapoo , an autonomous robotic pet waste management system that combines product design, interaction design, and service design. The system includes a mobile app-controlled robot ( Poobot ) that identifies and collects waste, and a companion unit ( Poobase ) that composts it into fertilizer using biological catalysts. The system also offers health diagnostics by analyzing samples, providing pet owners with medical insights via the app. Following its debut as her graduation project, Pikapoo quickly garnered widespread attention. Luo collaborated with an engineer to further refine the design before submitting it to international competitions. The project won multiple honors, including the 2025 iF Design Award (Robotics), the IDA Design Award, and the 2025 French Design Award, recognizing both its functionality and environmental relevance. These accolades helped secure its selection for exhibition at Milan Design Week 2025—a key milestone in Luo's early career. At the Tortona venue, Pikapoo was exhibited alongside other future-facing solutions focused on urban sustainability and smart interaction. Visitors experienced a live demonstration of the robot's capabilities, the composting cycle, and health reporting features, illustrating the full lifecycle of how waste can be transformed into insight and utility. The installation embodied Tortona's mission to highlight 'connected design' that merges aesthetics, responsibility, and technology. About the Designer Yihan Luo is an interaction and product designer known for her ability to merge sustainability, social impact, and emerging technologies. Educated at ArtCenter College of Design and the University of Southern California, Luo's design philosophy is rooted in bridging physical systems with digital user experiences. Her work addresses overlooked problems—like uncollected dog waste—and reimagines them as opportunities for environmental and social innovation. Her participation in Milan Design Week 2025 signals a growing international recognition of Chinese designers engaging with global issues through deeply considered, human-centered approaches. As she continues to develop solutions at the intersection of robotics, ecology, and user behavior, Luo is poised to become a leading voice in next-generation design thinking. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
