Davis Lake Community Association

Cleaning up after your dog - not just a "good neighbor" thing to do - it's the LAW!

Davis Lake’s Community Association Board of Directors approved the placement of signs reminding dog owners to pick up pet waste after resident Julie Stone of Chestnut Knoll made the request for signs and presented information on available options at the March 2005 board meeting.

"I am very encouraged by the board’s support of this issue,” Julie Stone said after the decision. “I bought a small dog in December and walk her daily on the sidewalks and trails throughout Davis Lake. It’s amazing how much pet waste is not being picked up on a daily basis. This is only going to become an increasingly worse nuisance as the weather warms up and we head into spring. The pick-up bags are really easy to use."

"Pet waste often carries parasites that threaten other dogs, small children and contaminates both our soil and water supply. My dog had a bout with coccidia, which can be life threatening. Fortunately, my vet caught it in the very early stages and she responded well to the medication. I learned that a high percentage of puppies are infected with this parasite, which can only be detected by a specific fecal lab test.”  More information about the health risks of animal feces not disposed of properly - according to a local veterinarian. This information is on page 10 of the Feb. 2005 issue of the Communiqué Newsletter.

"I especially like the messages on the signs we discussed at the March meeting,” Stone added. “They are a friendly, gentle reminder of what all pet owners already know: They are legally responsible for removing all pet waste from property other than their own – including sidewalks, yards, common areas and the walking trails.”

The board has approved the purchase of up to 12 signs to be placed throughout Davis Lake.

Charlotte/Mecklenburg County Animal Control ordinances require pet owners to remove pet waste from all property not their own. To report a dog owner who you have observed leaving pet waste on your property or on common areas of Davis Lake, you just have to call Char-Meck Animal Control at 704.336.3786. You must have the dog owner’s name and you must have observed the owner leaving the waste behind. The fine for the first offense is $50 and escalates $50 for each additional offense up to $500.

For more information on local ordinances pertaining to pets, visit the Animal Control section of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg government Web site: http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Animal+Control/Local+Ordinances/Nuisance+Animals.htm