Failing to clean up after your pet in Hoboken will land you in the online DOG HOUSE

June 21, 2007  JJ

HOBOKEN - The names of dog owners who neglect to clean up after their pooches will now be mud in the Mile Square City.

The nine-member City Council voted unanimously last night to amend an ordinance to allow the city to post the names of pet owners who are cited for not cleaning up after their dogs on the city Web site -www.hobokennj.org - for two weeks.

The amendment stiffens fines for violations for failing to scoop up poop from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $2,000 - allowing fines to double for second-time offenders.

Currently there is no minimum and the ceiling is $1,000.

Council members said the increase in fines is necessary because dog mess - which they say disrespects and risks the health of Hoboken residents - is becoming more of a problem.

"I think it's a great step forward," said City Councilman Michael Russo. "We need to hold people accountable for their actions. The vast majority of dog owners are always responsible, but there are a select few who continually ignore the rules."

Councilwoman Theresa LaBruno said she is uncomfortable with the idea of publishing the names online when the city does not do that for more serious offenses, but she voted for it anyway.

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