By Sean Delaney
In recent times, Emery Village has seen a significant uptick in pet ownership, a trend mirrored across Toronto. While our furry friends bring joy and companionship, they also bring responsibilities—especially when it comes to keeping our streets and parks clean.
Toronto’s animal bylaw is clear: dog owners must promptly remove and dispose of their pet’s waste from any public or private property other than their own. Failure to do so can lead to a hefty $300 fine. Despite this, the problem of unscooped poop is mounting, cluttering sidewalks and lawns, and tarnishing the beauty of our community spaces.
Why is this issue so critical? Apart from being unsightly, dog waste is a health hazard. It contains harmful bacteria and parasites that can infect other dogs and even humans, particularly children who play outside. Moreover, it’s an environmental pollutant. When left out, rain can wash it into our waterways, affecting water quality and wildlife.
The City provides green bins for organic waste in all dog off-leash areas in parks, among other selected locations, to facilitate proper disposal. There are also designated bins on some streets that accept dog waste. Despite these provisions, enforcement relies heavily on community cooperation and compliance with the bylaw.
Shaming those who neglect to pick up after their dogs isn’t the goal, but fostering a culture of responsibility is. If you see someone failing to clean up after their pet, consider a polite reminder of the rules. For those who are non-compliant, reporting to the city via 311 is recommended. Documenting the incident, ideally with a photo, can help bylaw officers address the issue more effectively.
Let’s work together to keep Emery Village clean. Picking up after our pets is a small but significant way we can contribute to the health and aesthetics of our community. It’s not just about avoiding fines—it’s about taking pride in our neighbourhood and showing respect for our fellow residents and the environment. Together, we can make a difference, one scoop at a time.