by Theresa O'Riordan

Created on: April 29, 2008

Pooper Scooper laws are absolutely fair. Some argue that dog waste is biodegradable. Tell that to someone who walks out his or her front door for work, crosses the patch of grass between the sidewalk and the curb, and steps in...something.

People have domesticated dogs over the centuries to the point where they can't always be left to their natural devices. For example, if a dog is found as a stray, it is considered to be in danger, and is immediately "rescued" and put into an animal shelter. If we as a species want to keep dogs in our home and train them to act in a way that is pleasing to society, the least we can do is pick up after them when out on a walk. We hold our dogs to unreasonable standards sometimes. Fido is, after all, a dog, with behaviors and a temperament characteristic of dogs. When a dog does something that is considered too loud, annoying, or destructive, we scold the dog as if it is human. If we expect our dogs to be as well behaved as our children, then the logical conclusion we should make is that the dogs should not be allowed to pollute the entire block we live on. Would we let our children defecate on public grounds? Absolutely not.

Pooper Scooper laws are not only fair, but necessary. Public property is for everyone to use, but that doesn't mean your dog can use it, and that you can do nothing to remedy the situation. Public land can only be maintained and used by all if it is treated with respect and consideration.

Another reason these laws are necessary is that many people are simply inconsiderate, and would never pick up after their pets if there wasn't some sort of penalty for not doing so. Many people to this day can be seen allowing their dog to do whatever it needs to do on their neighbor's property, or in any number of inappropriate locations. Some people actually have no qualms about leading their dog away without picking up after it, even if others have just witnessed what happened! For these people, laws can at least compel them to fear being spotted by police and penalized, even if public image alone is not enough motive.

Learn more about this author, Theresa O'Riordan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.