Dog Waste Complaints Surge 35.8 Percent In NYC

NEW YORK, NY— City Council members rallied in Tompkins Square Park on Friday as 311 dog waste complaints climbed after winter snowstorms.

The Safe and Clean Outdoor Ownership Practices Act, or SCOOP Act, would require the city to install dog waste bag dispensers near public litter baskets, expand public education campaigns, increase enforcement in complaint-heavy areas and test a pilot program that composts dog feces collected from dog runs.

The push follows a sharp rise in complaints filed through 311 after consecutive winter snowstorms. During the first two months of the year, New Yorkers filed 821 complaints about dog waste citywide, a 35.8 percent increase from the same period last year.

“Today is about giving dogs and their busy owners more resources, and friendly reminders to care for their furry friends and for their community," Speaker Julie Menin said.

Most of the legislation heads to the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management for a hearing May 19.

Menin’s bill, Introduction 857, would require the Department of Sanitation to install and refill dog waste bag dispensers on or next to public litter baskets across city streets

. The measure also directs the sanitation department and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to launch a public awareness campaign focused on the health risks associated with dog waste.

Council Member Harvey Epstein’s proposal, Introduction 864, would create a pilot program that collects dog feces from Parks Department dog runs for composting.

The program would place collection bins at dog runs, distribute compostable bags and post signage directing owners where to dispose of waste.

Introduction 906, council member Justin Sanchez’s bill, would trigger sanitation action after the city receives at least three complaints about dog waste on the same block within seven days.

The department would either remove the waste or notify property owners of their responsibility to clean it and issue violations when they fail to comply.

“Being a responsible dog owner means making sure your number one priority is never leaving number two behind,” Sanchez said. “My bill is about accountability, respecting our neighbors, and making sure the people who do the right thing every day are not forced to deal with the consequences of the people who don’t.”

Another proposal from Council Member Shahana Hanif would require the Health Department, in consultation with sanitation officials, to develop an outreach campaign explaining dog waste rules and the health dangers tied to failing to remove it.

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse’s legislation would require new signage at park entrances, exits and selected park facilities warning dog owners about waste removal rules and penalties.

The bill also calls for transportation officials to post notices about state dog waste laws in public areas.

Council members introduced the social media account @nycscooppatrol on Instagram and X, encouraging residents to organize neighborhood cleanups and tag the account online.

Menin also named social media dog personality Maxine the Fluffy Corgi as the city’s first honorary “Dog Speaker,” joining the city’s Dog Mayor and Deputy Dog Mayor as symbolic co-sponsors of the legislation.