Scoop the poop

Section 2a of Article XXVII of the town's General By-Laws requires pet owners to "scoop up" after their pets, both on public places and on property owned by another.

"Section 2a. It shall be the responsibility of each person who owns, possesses or controls a dog to remove and dispose of any feces left by his/her dog on any street, public place or any private property of another. This section shall not apply to a guide dog accompanying any handicapped person." 

Dog droppings are a nuisance and a health hazard. They attract flies, spread disease, and dog waste is one of the worst causes of water pollution.

Lexington has an estimated 2,500 dogs. Dogs relieve themselves every day, producing an average of 3/4 pound of waste per dog. That’s over 13,125 pounds or over 6 tons of dog waste each and every week.

It’s important for pet owners to "scoop up" after Rover on bike trails or wherever Rover roams. Carry a supply of plastic bags to clean up after your dog, slip a bag over your hand and collect the droppings. Then pull the bag off of your hand so that the droppings are inside (like pulling off a sock cuff-first). Tie the bag shut and dispose of it in a trash can.