Doggie Poop Receptacles have Arrived in Ridgefield!
Doo (pun here) to the rise of complaints involving dog waste not being picked up in Ridgefield, the Town of Ridgefield has formed a dog doo committee. First order of business: dog poop receptacles. The one you see in this photo is located on the corner of Main Street and Gilbert Street.
A few months ago, Amber Bodeur had the opportunity to meet with First Selectman, Rudy Marconi to discuss how the Town plans to encourage dog owners to cut the crap.
Why did you feel there was a need for this committee?
Rudy: We have approximately 3,000 dog permits that we give out every year. Our town is a very dog-friendly community. That’s great, but people do need to realize there is an ordinance in place that requires them to clean up after their dog. We all enjoy Main Street, but none of us enjoy stepping in dog waste, not to mention toxicity issues and parvovirus that other dogs can pick up. It’s not just aesthetics, but also a health issue that needs to be addressed.
How many people are on the committee?
Rudy: Right now we have two girl scouts, Jax and Carina, that are handling the issue along the Rail Trail. We have Logan Lachemann from East Ridge Middle School and his mom, Nicole Connors, that are working on the Main Street project and they have really spearheaded that part of it. We have two dog owners and Molly McGeehin, the treasurer, who has been spearheading the organizational part of it.
There are some neighborhoods that do DNA testing for fines. Would this ever be a method for Ridgefield dog doo committee?
Rudy: Then you would have to gather the DNA of every dog in town! If your dog has to be licensed, do you give a DNA sample? I think society has other priorities, or at least I hope we do, before we get to that.
What is your role in the committee?
Rudy: As the First Selectman, we have discussed the placement of various receptacles along Main Street from 116 south to the caution light. There are plastic bags that will be made available and then there is a container where you can put your plastic bag when you clean up after your dog.
What are the next steps?
Rudy: We will be submitting an application with the Historic District Commission because the south end of Main Street is within the historic district for approval to locate these receptacles. In order to not disrupt or add to the clutter of signage on Main Street, we will be using the side roads in the historic district so that the receptacle/dispenser does not face Main Street. Jax and Carina, the girl scouts working toward their silver award will also be raising money to purchase the receptacles/dispensers for the Rail Trail.
Is there anything you wish I asked?
Rudy: I wish you asked “Who will be cleaning up the receptacles?”. Logan will be doing that. He has made a two-year commitment to his mom that he will be the one that will be in charge of being sure all of the receptacles are emptied on a regular basis.