Pooping Pooches Targeted By Canton Selectmen

CANTON, CT — Canton officials are mulling a new ordinance that will crack down on dogs pooping on athletic fields at municipal parks.

The Canton Board of Selectmen have discussed the issue off and on in recent weeks and it will have a public hearing later this month, Feb. 28, on the matter.

From there, the new municipal ordinance would ban dogs on Canton's athletic fields at schools/parks and establish a series of enforcement measures and fines for violators.

According to a draft of the ordinance, those who let their dogs roam on fields and don't clean up after them can face a $90 fine.

Local officials and residents have complained about the situation in recent weeks, specifically folks letting Fido freely poop on athletic fields.

This could create a rather unpleasant situation for any athletics participant.

"The concept would be to restrict dogs from the actual field/facility but allow dogs in the common areas," reads a memo from Canton Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner to selectmen.

"There is a requirement that owners have their dog on a leash and clean up after their dogs if they are in the common areas."

Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos emphasized at a selectmen meeting last month that the ordinance is being created to help protect the investment in the fields.

He said it is not meant to oppose folks enjoying time with their dogs.

Selectmen will meet on the topic on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in Room F of the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Center, Canton.

For the minutes of the Jan. 24, Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

For all documents related to this ordinance proposal, click on this link.