If you're on social media at all or happen to walk around town, now that the snow's melted you're probably starting to notice a few messes around the city thanks to people not picking up after their pets. Whether it's build up from over the winter that is just being uncovered now, it's still a problem that people need to address. Special Constable Newton with the EPS reminds us of what the charges can be.

"If you're out and about walking your dog or even your cat for that matter and it defecates on any public or private property other than the property of its owner, they need to remove it immediately. If they don't do so, there can be a $50 fine for that."

Not only that, but there are even steeper penalties for letting the same matter build up too much on your own property.

"If you let your own private property build up with too much defecate, you can get a $200 fine from it if it is not properly disposed of in an acceptable fashion."

Besides the gems being uncovered by the melting snow on sidewalks and trails, there's also the issue of people not disposing of it properly.

"I've got a couple complaints in the works from people putting the waste into the back alley now that the snow is melting, people dumping it from their back yards into the back alley and you can't do that, you need to properly dispose of it. That means putting into a trash bag and dumping it into a garbage can."

As for the few pieces of fecal matter that have been left by neglectful pet owners who have not been caught, the responsibility does not fall to police to pick it up, so if you want to get rid of it, either contact city crews or dispose of it yourself as you walk with your pets and help keep the city clean.