Dear Urban Diplomat: What can I do about my poop-tossing neighbours?
Whenever I take my dog for a walk in the ravine at the end of our block, I invariably run into bags of dog poop—draped over tree limbs, balanced on bridge handrails, lying beside the path. The other day, I saw my next-door neighbour pull the ol’ tie-and-toss. How can I confront her about it—and send a message to the rest of the offending dog walkers—without creating bad blood?
—Dereliction of Doody, Don Valley
Before you start posting passive-aggressive printouts in the park, call 311. If the area in question allows, the city can install some stoop-and-scoop signage, plant a couple of garbage cans and send a bylaw officer every once in a while. Camo-clad soldiers won’t emerge from the foliage to bust tossers, but the occasional walkthrough or ticket might scare the scatological scofflaws into picking up after their pets. With the city doing your dirty work, you’ll be able to stay out of it—a good idea when your opponents are armed with an endless supply of poop-filled payback.
Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com
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