Can You Be Fined For Not Picking Up Your Dog’s Feces In Texas?

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While you're out walking your dog in your Tyler or Longview, Texas neighborhood it's inevitable at some point during the walk they are going to need to relieve themselves and if they have to poop, let's hope you have a poop bag handy.

If they have to go, you let them do their business and afterward the courteous thing to do is clean up after they defecate,  But if you don't have a poop bag handy and you walk off leaving your dog's feces in a yard or the sidewalk, can you be fined by law enforcement?

While at a public dog park or even in city parks you'll see the signs asking you to pick up after your dog. Accompanying those signs sometimes you'll see disposable bags that you can use to dispose of their business, but what if you refuse to do that, will there be any consequences that law enforcement can impose on you? Depends upon where you live.

Dogs pooping in Tyler, is there an ordinance on cleaning up after them?

A quick phone call to Tyler Animal Services asking them this question was followed by a very clear and simple answer of no. There is no ordinance requiring you to clean up after your dog has pooped on private property, public space, or dog park.

Dogs pooping in Longview, is there an ordinance on cleaning up after them?

A call to the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center garnered a similar response of no. There is no specific ordinance stating a pet owners must clean up after their pets. However, if it is habitual from a neighborhood pet, it could be considered a public nuisance, public health issue or even trespassing.

Is there a Texas law requiring you to clean up after your pet?

While there is no specific law in Texas requiring you to clean up after your pup goes number two some there are cities that do have ordinances that may be in effect. Austin, for instance, has an ordinance in place stating,

So if you take your dog on a trip to Austin you should have the leash and plastic bags handy. Other Texas cities may have similar ordinances as well.

Common courtesy

So when you're out walking your dog and they do have to do their business, be a responsible pet owner and pick up after them. It's as easy as carrying a couple of disposable shopping bags in your pocket, picking it up, and discarding it in any trash can.