With the return of spring weather, the Weyburn Police Service is reminding residents to clean up after their pets.
This mandated in the City of Weyburn bylaw which states “Every person having ownership or control of a dog or cat shall immediately remove all excrement left by such dog or cat in any public place in the City or in any private place in the City to which access has not been expressly permitted by the owner of occupant thereof. Any such person failing to immediately remove such excrement shall be in violation of the Bylaw”
Deputy Police Chief Shane St. John says failure to adhere to the bylaw affects other community members and explains there are bags located in certain areas as well to make it easier.
“It is warmer, people have their dogs out, walking their dogs. Take the bags with you, there are bags in the park as well, just don't leave that behind for someone else to either step in or another animal to maybe get into, just clean up after your pets.”
Fines for violating the bylaw begin at $80 and can increase with numerous offences. A witness statement is required for charges to proceed.
“If it's multiple times and the same person, they can increase for sure, and it's important that we get a witness statement, if someone recognizes the person, of course, if we don't know who it is, we can't lay that charge, right?”