The New Poo Problem

Jennifer:

do you specifically have a rule or a covenant that allows you to punish violaters of Dog Do Do? This is an issue in almost every association and unless you can catch the dog squatting and get a picture good luck.

I would go more on the approach of education and being the squeaky wheel...mention in your newsletters, mention at your meetings, put a stuffer in your dues invoices asking people to be responsible. Look at putting up doggy dodo stations in your common areas so folks can clean up after themselves. You will never get rid of the problem, but you can substantially improve it through education

I addressed the issue with using dog/cat repellent and some temporary fencing. Although some people may disagree with this approach, it did work. We had a common area where people would often let their dogs do their business. It was supposed to be used as a park like area by the pool. I bought some cheap metal link fencing and placed it along a boarder. I put signs warning the area was treated with dog/cat repellent (It is SAFE for animals/people). Me and another neighbor then picked up some of the old doo to make sure it wasn't an attractant to the animals. Plus it cleaned up the area.

Now I did get a complaint from the biggest violator. They complained it bothered their sinuses...It does smell for a few hours. However, I did a little trickery and didn't apply the stuff down but kept the signs up one week. It just helped get the point across NOT to use that area.

It's important to put a sign up warning the chemical is put down if you use it. It fades out after a few days and the rain will wash it away eventually. In the meantime, it should get the point across to BOTH humans and animals NOT to go in that area...

Other HOA's put up doggy bag dispensers and trash cans around the HOA. You find them in many parks too. I also assigned "Doggy doo-doo" areas in areas that were out of the way. Usually by the dumpsters and front entrance. This also worked as the dogs didn't go where people walked or interfered with anyone's common area.

I would never use a chemical to repel dogs or cats as an HOA...you have enough issues to worry about instead of creating more issues for yourself with "sick dogs" because of a chemical you sprayed

Sounds like you just need a guideline/resolution unless this is not part of your docs. It also sounds like you might need a little education campaign. Newsletter articles?

Authority. The Association implemented Policy Resolution No. 92-03-01, Leash Law Resolution, on March 1, 1992, which permits the Animal Warden of the County to enforce County Leash Laws and other related animal control laws on Association property. Pet restrictions under the XXXX County Code, Zoning Ordinance, and Animals and Fowl Ordinance (more commonly known as the Animal Control Ordinance), are applicable to all citizens. It prohibits animals from running loose on public property. It requires that dogs be leashed when off of their owner’s property. It prohibits animals from trespassing or damaging (soiling) another’s property. Policy. It is not the policy of the Association to tell pet owners how to maintain their pets on their personal property. Various County agencies enforce various County codeordinances pertaining to pet ownership. However, it is the policy of the Association to regulate dogs and cats, and consequently their owners, when they are on Association common area. Sanitation and safety are equal priorities and will be enforced by whatever means are legally available to the Association.
Responsibilities. Pet owners and their pets are welcome in the Community. With this welcome comes a responsibility by the owners towards their pets and to the Community. Pet owners are encouraged to obtain a copy of the County’s pamphlet “Your Pets and the Law” for more information. Owner responsibilities include:
Health. The County requires rabies vaccination and licenses for all dogs, and rabies vaccination for all cats four months of age and older.
Sanitation. The owner or custodian of any dog shall be responsible for the removal of excreta deposited by such dog on their property and the property of another, including Association property. There are six doggy bag stations in the community for owners’ use and convenience in cleaning up after their pets.
Trespassing. The owner or custodian of any dog who allows their pet(s) to enter another person’s property without permission is considered to be trespassing. Please respect the property rights of your neighbors. Pet limits. Only dogs, cats, birds, or other traditional household pets are permitted.
Wild animals are prohibited.
Association Responsibilities -The Association reserves the right to take steps to remove all loose dogs and cats found on Association Property and turn them over to the County for disposition. Any pet that disturbs the neighbors, is allowed to run freely on Association property, is aggressive, or destructive to Association Property, is subject to removal from the property. As a matter of health and safety to all residents of the Association, any pet incident that comes before the Board will require the owner of the pet concerned to provide proof of County registration and rabies inoculation.
Penalties Failure to produce appropriate health and registration documents when requested by the Association may result in the Board exercising any or all of the following options:
(a) Assessing a violation charge against the owner’s account after notice
and the opportunity to be heard.
(b) Barring the pet(s) from Association property.
(c) Taking legal action to enforce either or both options.
Documented failure of pet owners to clean up after their pet(s) may result in the Board exercising any or all of the following options:
(a) Assessing a violation charge against the owner's account after notice and the opportunity to be heard.
(b) Barring the pet(s) from Association property.
(c) Taking legal action to enforce either or both options.
Documented failure of pet owners not leashing their pet(s) on Association property may result in the Board exercising any or all of the following options:
(a) Assessing a violation charge against the owner's account after notice and the opportunity to be heard.
(b) Barring the pet(s) from Association property.
(c) Taking legal action to enforce either or both options.

Mike,

May I use some of what you posted in our newsletter?

Tim

Here's another interesting, informational, educational campaign.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/05/there-is-no-poop-fairy_n_890349.html