Don’t leave it behind: the importance of scooping the poop

May 23

As the weather warms up and more residents are out walking their dogs, the Town of Reading is reminding pet owners of an important - and legally required - responsibility: cleaning up after your dog.

Under Reading’s General Bylaw 8.8.3.3, “Every dog owner or keeper shall be responsible for expeditiously removing any feces that a dog deposits anywhere, except for its owner’s or keeper’s private property.” In short: if your dog goes, you need to grab a bag and clean it up - no exceptions.

Beyond common courtesy: it’s a public health matter

Failure to remove pet waste isn’t just inconsiderate - it’s a public health concern. If left unattended, dog feces can become a public nuisance and fall under the Massachusetts Public Nuisance Law (M.G.L., Chapter 11, Section 122), making violations subject to fines or citations.

Risks associated with not scooping poop

Water contamination
Spreading harmful pathogens
Odor nuisance
Increased pest activity
Ecosystem disruption
Soil contamination
Providing a food source for unwanted animals

Dog waste may seem harmless, but it can harbor bacteria and parasites that pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife. When left on sidewalks, trails, parks, or yards, it can wash into storm drains and pollute local waterways.

A shared responsibility

Keeping our community clean and safe if a shared effort. Be prepared when walking your dog - always carry waste bags and use designated bins for disposal. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Let’s all do our part to keep Reading clean and healthy. Scoop the poop - it’s the law, and it’s the right thing to do.