The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) enforces the Pooper Scooper Law and investigates locations where dog walkers often fail to pick up after their dogs. These locations include streets, sidewalks, and other areas such as open front yards next to the public sidewalk.

The Pooper Scooper Law does not apply to guide dogs or service dogs accompanying a person with a disability. DSNY does not respond to reports of dogs urinating on public or private property.

Regardless of the source, property owners remain responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their property and adjoining sidewalks and gutters.

A City agent must see the crime taking place in order to give a ticket. The maximum fine is $250.

DSNY responds to this type of report within 3 to 7 business days.

Property owners are required to clean up animal waste on their property and adjoining sidewalks and gutters, even if they do not own the pet, stray, or wild animal that is making the waste.

The Department of Health accepts reports of property or animal owners who fail to clean up unsanitary conditions or odors due to animal waste in backyards, private lots, residential or commercial buildings, and other areas.

The feeding of stray animals is not illegal, however any unsanitary conditions created may result in a violation to the property owner.

If you have the property or animal owner's name and the exact street address (including apartment number), you may report a property or animal owner for unsanitary animal waste or odor.