Is it illegal or wrong to let my dog poop on the city sidewalk (after picking it up)?
 

Hi everyone,

I am relatively new in Toronto, and I have a dog. I always walk him on a 6 ft leash. I always pick his poop after he is done and dispose of it in the proper garbage bins [URL="https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/green-bin-pilot-in-city-of-toronto-off-leash-dog-parks/"]https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/green-bin-pilot-in-city-of-toronto-off-leash-dog-parks/[/URL].

Today while walking my dog, a construction worker across the street came to me and started to yell at me and calling me gross and disgusting for letting my dog do his business on the city (public) sidewalk while I was holding a poop bag and waiting for my dog to finish his business to pick his poop up. I just asked him to walk away as he was not wearing a mask, was in my space and was insulting me. I don't think that I violated any by-laws or rules, but I am not 100% sure. Plus, I have no control over when my dog will poop, even though I try to take him to the park where the dogs are allowed. I obviously never let him go to private property, private lawns, etc.

I tried to find information on the city's website, but there is only general information [URL="https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/"]https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/[/URL]. Also at random websites, I was only able to find information that it is not allowed to let your dog do his business at a private property's lawn (NATURALLY and OBVIOUSLY)[URL="https://www.toronto.ca/311/knowledgebase/kb/docs/articles/municipal-licensing-and-standards/toronto-animal-services/special-projects/stoop-and-scoop-not-picking-up-dog-excrement-on-city-or-private-property.html"]https://www.toronto.ca/311/knowledgebase/kb/docs/articles/municipal-licensing-and-standards/toronto-animal-services/special-projects/stoop-and-scoop-not-picking-up-dog-excrement-on-city-or-private-property.html[/URL]. But I couldn't find any information if letting your dog poop on the sidewalk, on the pavement (and pick it up after) is illegal? Could you help me with this, please?:shrug::ca:

Thank you in advance:)


There is a lot of info in this article from Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349 regarding Animals. Still no info regarding what I am looking for:dog: [URL="https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_349.pdf"]https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_349.pdf[/URL].

It doesn't look like it's illegal as long as you clean it up immediately, as you were doing:

[QUOTE]§ 349-18. Removal of excrement.Every owner of a dog shall immediately remove excrement left by the dog on property anywhere within the City.[/QUOTE]

As you point out, you can't necessarily control where your dog decides to go...and even gov't can probably see that! :o :laughing: But from what I'm reading in the ordinance, you were following the letter of the law. So maybe the guy was just having a bad day... :shrug:

However, keep in mind that I'm writing from Wisconsin, so I don't know your local laws. Is there a number at City Hall you can call with questions?

It's not illegal, that mas was only overreacting

Definetly not wrong
 

Animals can't talk. If the could, probably they would not need our help as they would ask us to build for them public toilets!:dog: