What do you do when your neighbor's dog or cat leaves their feces in your yard?

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   MarleneBposted 11 years ago

   What do you do when your neighbor's dog or cat leaves their feces in your yard?

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   BethDWposted 11 years ago

   We have a cat that does this ALL the time! Which is super frustrating because the neighbours to whom he belongs have been very adamant that our dog is NEVER to so much as accidentally set foot on their precious lawn...it is frustrating. But I would advise bringing it up in as friendly a manner as possible with the neighbour in question to try to resolve the issue amicably (either with a face-to-face conversation, or a polite note if they never seem to be home when you are).
   
   If they are totally unreasonable about it and refuse to take responsibility, start trying to document when their pet does their business on your yard (photos are the best way to do this, if you can catch them 'in the act'). Most cities have bylaws about pet waste, so if you can prove that their pet is leaving their feces on your yard, and they refuse to comply with the bylaws, then you should be able to lodge a formal complaint with your municipality.

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      Express10posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It sounds like you have neighbors that live by the "do as I say, not as I do" creed. I hope they try to become better neighbors.

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3. 81

   strkngfangposted 11 years ago

   I hate it.  There is nothing like walking around to your backyard and stepping in dog poop, when you don't even own a dog.  Sadly, most people don't care, you hardly ever see walkers carrying a scooper and bag.

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      BethDWposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I wouldn't generalize to say that 'most people' don't care. I own 2 dogs & I never leave the house with them without at least 4 poop bags (just in case). And they aren't allowed to EVER do their business on anyone's lawn. Some of us are responsib

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4. 68

   libby1970posted 11 years ago

   These sort of people shouldn't own pets! I have a boxer and I would be so embarrassed to leave his "waste" in someones yard! My dog stays on a leash and I carry a bag... and I never let him go in someones yard. I walk him all the way down to this big feild and the end of all the homes here! Someones if Im in a hurry I let him use my lawn then I clean it up!
   
   Some people are just nasty. I'd hate to see theri homes...then again some may have very clean homes...and could care less about others! It's about "self"... it doesn't effect them directly so they don't care!
   
   I would have a serious talk with them about being responsible!

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      BethDWposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So true! I get so frustrated when I'm out walking my dog in the park and see dog poop everywhere...it makes the rest of us look bad!

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5. 78

   Paulieposted 11 years ago

   Do you clean up after your dog when he poops on the street? I hope you do. I used to live in New York years before the pooper scooper laws and believe me I would have rather walked a minefield than deal with the disgusting mess on the streets.
   ... read more

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6. 86

   Express10posted 11 years ago

   I would not even try to be pleasant after the 1st offense and would call animal control to file a complaint. I would make certain that they would not want to continue the nonsense after that. This is an unsanitary intrusion on someone else's property and they aren't owed any pleasantries after the 1st offense. Cat waste can cause harm to babies in the womb so this is another reason people need to consider the fact that other people don't take this type of thing lightly.
   
   The ones that are repeat offenders are the worst and should not have any animals if they cannot train or contain them while keeping them safe and healthy. Having an animal costs money, time, and effort. People need to understand this and be fully committed before getting one.

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      Express10posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Darned trolls voting decent answers here down, they must be an offender that commits the very offense we are discussing. Oh well, maybe they can think about what's being discussed and change their ways.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I wish HubPages would take down the voting. I get my answers voted down sometimes and wonder why. I think it's like you said. Probably someone with anger issues.

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7. 78

   Paulieposted 11 years ago

   Don't try leaving it back at the neighbor, you could be wrong about who left it and most people who would allow their animal to poop on your lawn probably wouldn't enjoy the favor.  Try to get a pic with your cellphone and complain to authorities.
   
   http://paulie.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-B … u-Own-Pets

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   The Writers Dogposted 11 years ago

   The same thing I do with their empty beer bottles and kids' toys : throw it over their fence.

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   1. 93

      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      One of the neighbors actually did that - scooped it up, put it in a bag, knocked on the door, handed it to the owner and said, "Here's your cat sh*t, lady!" She still let the cat out every morning to go potty in the neighbor's flower bed. Sad.

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      BethDWposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I find that this is often more of an issue with cats than dogs...because a lot of city bylaws allow cats to wander wherever they like. Which is frustrating when they decide to make your lawn/garden an outdoor litter box...

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   Minnetonka Twinposted 11 years ago

   I would just have a discussion with my neighbor about it if it happens more than a few times. If their rude neighbors and wont take responsibility, then I'd make a complaint with the city as well as trying to get some evidence to back up your case.

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      Express10posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good suggestion!

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10. 60

    Listen2Meposted 11 years ago

    I probably wouldn't confront my neighbor of the matter only because it'll probably create tension between you and the neighbor unless you both are really close than by all means, speaking to your neighbor about the situation might help.  Other ways to be discreet is to possibly change the fertilizer on your lawn, add some sort of fencing to keep the pets out, add a sprinkler system, or try adding some kind of aroma that won't attract any senses to a cat or dog, such as coffee grounds of something citrus-like.  I think anything to try to get rid of that dog or cat's scent will help.

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       Express10posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You are a kind soul to spend your money, time, & effort in trying to not confront others or hurt their feelings. I am usually this type of person but when pleasantries don't work I act assertively. Good tip, don't know why anyone voted it down.

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       BethDWposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I had no idea that coffee grounds could discourage animals from 'going' on your lawn...I may have to try this. Thanks for the tip!

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11. 59

    DeanCashposted 11 years ago

    It says, "Their is no stray dogs, but stray dog owners". It is a must to take full responsibility when owning a dog. It is not something you like-it-now then throw it later.
    
    My advice tell your neighbor that his dog or cat poop on your yard, nicely.

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    Squirrelgonzoposted 11 years ago

    My neighbors are really cool people. That being said, if one of their animals poo-ed in my yard I would do my best to understand any special circumstances that may have caused it.

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