A new process, established this month, will allow residents to submit complaints about pet owners who do not pick up after their pets. Violators may face a fine of up to $500. The Fort Worth Animal Care and Control Division receives numerous complaints about animal waste each week. According to the city's ordinance, it is illegal for pet owners to allow their pets to defecate on public or private property. Officials hope a new process will improve compliance with the city's animal waste ordinance. The process is as follows:
- Aggrieved residents can file a complaint by completing an affidavit form at the Fort Worth Animal Care and Control Center, located at 4900 Martin Street . The complainant must provide the name and address of the pet owner; a brief description of the animal; the date, time and location of the incident.
- A completed affidavit will allow animal control officials to issue a citation to the pet owner. The complainant would need to appear as a witness in any subsequent court action.
- If the complainant does not wish to complete an affidavit, officials can issue a warning notice.
- Animal control officers who witness these violations may also give citations.
"Residents should not allow their pets to do their business on someone else's property ," explained Animal Care and Control Supervisor Keane Menefee. "This new process will help residents who are experiencing problems to alleviate the nuisance." The following suggestions will help residents be responsible pet owners and avoid costly citations:
- Train pets to eliminate in a particular area of the pet owners property.
- Keep pets restrained. This means confining cats to an owner's property and restraining dogs behind a fenced barrier or on a leash while walking.
- Always carry a plastic bag and a brush while walking pets to clean up animal waste.
Remember, pet owners have a legal responsibility to keep pets restrained and to clean up after their animals. For more information about animal laws in Fort Worth or to make a complaint regarding animal waste, contact the Animal Care and Control Division at (817) 392-3737. |