Speaker Menin, Council Members, and Animal Rights Advocates Rally in Support of SCOOP Act to Address Dog Waste and Community Cleanliness

Bills would expand access to dog waste bags, increase public education, and establish a composting pilot program

NEW YORK, NY - Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Council Members, dog enthusiasts, and animal rights advocates rallied at the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run in support of the Safe and Clean Outdoor Ownership Practices (SCOOP) Act, a package of legislation aimed at improving community cleanliness, enhancing support for dog owners, and ensuring dog waste is picked up throughout all five boroughs. The legislative effort comes after the City saw a spike in dog waste complaints by New Yorkers during the first two months of the year following consecutive winter snowstorms. During that period, 311 received 821 complaints about dog waste citywide, up 35.8% from the same period last year.

The SCOOP Act would expand access to dog waste bags, launch a new pilot program to compost dog waste collected from dog runs, establish a new public education campaign, and strengthen enforcement in certain areas. Most of the bills in the legislative package will be heard by the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management on Tuesday, May 19.

The livestream of the event is here, and photos will soon be here. A video announcing the SCOOP Act can also be found here.

"Having clean streets and sidewalks isn't just a quality of life issue, it's also a public health matter that the Council's SCOOP Act legislation will help address," said Speaker Julie Menin. "Today is about giving dogs and their busy owners more resources, and friendly reminders to care for their furry friends and for their community."

The SCOOP Act includes the following legislation:

1. Introduction 857, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, would require the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to install and regularly fill dog waste bag dispensers on or next to all public litter baskets on city streets. This bill would also require DSNY to work with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to conduct a public awareness campaign to educate the public on the negative public health consequences associated with dog waste.
2. Introduction 864, sponsored by Council Member Harvey Epstein, would require the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to establish a pilot program to collect dog feces from dog runs under the Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) jurisdiction for composting. At dog runs, the Commissioner would install dog feces collection bins, provide compostable dog feces bags, and post a sign at each bin recommending that individuals deposit dog feces in the bins.
3. Introduction 906, sponsored by Council Member Justin Sanchez, would establish procedures for the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) once it receives at least 3 complaints of dog waste on the same city block within 7 days. DSNY would be required to either remove the waste on that block or inform property owners of their obligation to remove the waste and issue violations to those who do not remove the waste.
4. Introduction 872, sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif, would require the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene, in consultation with the Commissioner of Sanitation, to develop and conduct a public education and outreach campaign to inform the public about dog waste removal and the dangers of failing to remove dog waste.
5. Introduction 880, sponsored by Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, would require the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to post signs at the entrances and exits of parks, and at certain park facilities, stating the rule prohibiting a person from leaving dog waste on the ground and the associated penalties for violation. Separately, this bill would require the Commissioner of Transportation to post signs on the New York State requirement concerning dog waste removal in public areas and associated penalties.

At the rally, the Council also launched the @nycscooppatrol account on Instagram and X, which can be tagged by New Yorkers who want to participate in community-organized cleanups. Speaker Menin also appointed the dog influencer Maxine the Fluffy Corgi as the first-ever Dog Speaker, who will serve as an honorary co-sponsor of the SCOOP Act. The City's Dog Mayor and Deputy Dog Mayor also agreed to serve as honorary co-sponsors.

"I am happy to welcome Speaker Menin and my colleagues to Tompkins Square Park to call for the passage of the SCOOP Act, creating a comprehensive plan for dog waste in our city," said Council Member Harvey Epstein, Chair of the Council's Animal Welfare Caucus. "My bill Int. 864 would create a pilot program for composting dog waste in our city's dog runs. As the Chair of the Animal Welfare Caucus and an avid composter, I cannot wait to participate in this when I take my dog, Homer, to the dog run."

"Being a responsible dog owner means making sure your number one priority is never leaving number two behind," said Council Member Justin E. Sanchez, Chair of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management. "My bill is about accountability, respecting our neighbors, and making sure the people who do the right thing every day are not forced to deal with the consequences of the people who don't."

"Every New Yorker deserves clean and safe public spaces, said Council Member Shahana Hanif. "The SCOOP Act takes a comprehensive approach to addressing dog waste in our neighborhoods, and I'm proud to introduce legislation creating a public education campaign so every New Yorker - and especially dog owners - understands the rules, public health impacts, and importance of picking up after pets."

"Our city has 600,000 dogs, 311 complaints are surging, and virtually no irresponsible dog owner is facing consequences," said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. "The law has been on the books since 1978 but without visible reminders in the places where the problem is worst, we're relying on the honor system. This package puts signage at park entrances and on sidewalks flagged by complaints so dog owners see the rules and the penalties. It's simple, it's low-cost, and our communities have been asking for it."

"At Voters For Animal Rights, we believe being an animal-friendly city means being a responsible city," said Allie Taylor, Founder of Voters For Animal Rights. "Supporting dogs and the people who love them also means keeping our streets, parks, and public spaces clean, safe, and accessible for everyone. Thoughtful policies that reduce dog waste pollution help protect public health, improve quality of life, and strengthen the bond between New Yorkers and their companion animals. We're proud to stand with Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Harvey Epstein in support of commonsense legislation that promotes cleaner neighborhoods and more responsible pet guardianship."

"Pets are cherished members of the family, and a vital part of the fabric of our city as evidenced by the New York City Council's recent creation of an Animal Welfare Caucus to promote animal welfare and advance legislation to make pet ownership more affordable for animal-loving New Yorkers," said Michelle Villagomez, Senior Director of Municipal Affairs for the ASPCA. "Whether you're an experienced pet parent or a first-time dog owner, it's important to keep your canine companion's health and happiness a top priority and abide by local laws to license your dog, keep them on a leash when in public places, and scoop up their poop. While most pet parents do clean up after their dogs, there are certain problem areas, usually on less densely populated streets, and we welcome the City Council's efforts to address this issue to ensure happier, safer communities for people and pets across the city."

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