Not picking up the poop? New Vaughan signs tell dog owners of $2,000 fine

People who put 'No Dogs Allowed' signs on town property can also be fined

Yorkegion.com
May 27, 2019
Dina Al-Shibeeb

The City of Vaughan has stepped in with new signs to cut the crap -- pun intended.

On Thursday afternoon, city workers were seen erecting new signs at Benjamin Drive and near Francine Court in Vaughan, warning dog owners that if they don’t pick up their canine excrement, they could be fined up to $2,000.

“Persons shall remove all excrement from pets,” the new signs read, citing the bylaw and potential fine.

City of Vaughan workers put up this sign on May 23, warning dog owners that they could be fined if they don't pick up after their pets. Dina Al-Shibeeb/Torstar

These signs come on the heels of area homeowners putting “No Dogs Allowed” signs on their lawns, as well as on town property.

Placing signs in public areas can lead to a $485 fine.

On Thursday, four “no dogs allowed” signs were seen on private lawns belonging to two homes in the area, but any that had been placed on public property had been removed.

“Signs on municipal property require approvals/permission -- notice was served at the home door as no one responded to the door,” a city spokesperson explained, noting no fines were levied.

Marianne Iannetta, a dog owner, who lives at Bathurst and Centre streets, told York Region Media Group that she put up her own sign, urging others to pick up after their dogs, but found it made no difference.

Marianne Iannetta shares her sign with York Region Media.

She says her building provides free doggy bags and people still don't pick up after them.

"I always pick up after my dog,” she said, adding, “Some people are just gross.”