The City of Estevan is preparing for spring and crews are out sweeping streets, and washing down boulevards. Now the public is being asked to help out as well and pet owners need to be on the lookout for any mess their animals may leave behind. 

Special Constable, Michelle Pickering, states that waste left by pets can create a hazard around town.

"We ask people to clean up after their pet to ensure cleanliness and safety for anyone, specifically children, who may pick it up. There's a lot of garbage laying around. We ask that people clean up any and all garbage and start cleaning their yards."

She adds that this is an issue in Estevan, particularly when the weather starts to warm up.

"People take their animals for walks or just let them run out of the house and use the washroom and fail to pick up after them. Especially in the spring, it melts and creates an odor. Under our animal control bylaw, it states that a person must pick up after their pet whether it be on public property or their own property or they can be fined."  

It's not just dogs that are an issue. Pickering states that the number of cats that are allowed to roam free is a growing problem in the city. 

"We seem to have a large issue with people letting their cats run around outside throughout the day and evening. A lot of people tend to think that 'Oh, it's just a cat, it's allowed' but the cats do create a mess in sandboxes and flowerbeds. They are a nuisance to the community and to neighbours of those who let their cats run at large."

She notes that under the Animal Control Bylaw, no one is allowed to have their dog or cat run at large in the city.

She explains that running at large means "running around without a leash, unaccompanied, or under the complete control of a person suitable to the size and strength of that animal."

For those dog owners who prefer their dogs to be able to stretch their legs, Pickering has an alternative for them.

"There is an off-leash park at Woodlawn Regional Park. We encourage everyone to use it. They've done a nice job of setting up fences and making it good for dog owners in the city."

READ MORE: Put Your Garbage Where It Belongs