The scoop on new Calabasas pet ordinance

Calabasas City Council members are on their way to approving an ordinance that will require residents to clean up after their pets.

The council will introduce the second reading of the proposed law at its next meeting, Wed., Jan. 28, before voting to pass it.

The new law would require pet owners to carry plastic bags and pick up after their animals. Policing after pups is currently voluntary.

Failure to remove the waste could result in fines up to $500.

"We get a significant number of referrals to our code enforcement officers on this," said Maureen Tamuri, Calabasas community development director. "Certainly what this will be is an opportunity for us to get the word out to remind people and do an educational campaign advising them that if you own a dog the responsible thing to do is to (clean up after it)."

Tamuri said the ordinance would also help prevent animal waste from contaminating local creeks and streams.

"This is a difficult type of ordinance to enforce because we have to be there at the time of the violation," Tamuri said. "If it's a continuing problem we can ask property owners to assist us in documenting those continuous problems."

Tamuri said many households own pets. More than 10,000 animals mght be housed within the city limits.

Mayor Mary Sue Maurer requested bag dispensers be installed at the entrance to city parks. City Manager Tony Coroalles said the matter is being looked into.

Councilmember Barry Groveman asked about horse waste, which he identified as a problem.

"This isn't species specific," City Attorney Michael Colantuono said. "If you own a goose you have to clean up after it."