Town of Councilman Anthony Macagnone issued a press release reminding residents to pick up after their dogs, noting that a law on the books since 1977 was created to protect against the health and environmental hazards of dog waste.
"This ordinance wasn't adopted simply because it is annoying to step in dog waste, which we all know it is, but because of the pollution and health hazards," Macagnone said in a statement.
"Dog waste pollutes our groundwater and bays, it is hazardous to human health, it is a nuisance to you and your neighbors, and, most important, it is illegal not to in the Town of Oyster Bay," he said.
Nitrogen in the waste can get into the groundwater, Long Island's only source of drinking water, when it is carried by rainwater into accumulated deposits at sumps or through the recharge basins that feed the groundwater supply, the release stated.
Macagnone also cited as an issue the possibility of potentially serious diseases being transmitted.
Violations of the ordinance can be reported to the Town's animal shelter at 516-677-5784 or to the local police precinct.
Reminders for this week:
- The outdoor Youth Baseball & Softball Skills Program continues; call Parks and Recreation at 516-797-4125 ex. 5.
- The Town Clerk's Office is open in Town Hall North until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Mark your calendars:
Homeowners Cleanup Day
Where: Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road
When: Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Rabies Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets
Where: TOB Animal Shelter, 150 Miller Place, Syosset
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
