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POUND RIDGE, N.Y. The Pound Ridge Business Association is trying to keep the Scotts Corners business district from going to the dogs.
Actually, the association wants to make Scotts Corner more dog-friendly for both the pooches and their owners, but the group said it wants the pets to follow a little decorum.
I know it doesnt seem like a big thing, said Ruth Mendes, a member of the associations board of directors. But if you step in it, its annoying.
The business association wants to make it easier for dog owners to clean up after their dogs. It plans on setting dog refuse disposal cans in strategic areas throughout Scotts Corners.
Its about thoughtfulness and civic responsibility, Mendes said. If I was a dog owner, I would want to do everything I could so I would feel welcome. This is one way to help them to be responsible.
Mendes said the problem was brought to the business associations attention by Gail Jankus, chair of the towns conservation board.
She noticed that people have been negligent in curbing their dogs and theres been an inordinate amount of dog poop in the business district, she said. We decided to install these refuse stations because we dont want people to put it in the regular garbage cans.
Mendes said similar refuse stations have been set up along trails in the town parks. Each one has a plastic bag dispenser on the side and is emptied by the town on a regular basis.
The receptacles will be installed at no cost to the taxpayer. The business association will foot the entire bill. It will set up three or four of them, at a cost of $300 a piece, between Albanos Appliances and Curves. The association has been working with the towns park and recreation department to facilitate the installation.
Mendes said the town has no law that would fine dog owners for not cleaning up after their pet, so shes hoping the receptacles will motivate them. Each one will have a humorous sign designed to give the dogs companion a friendly nudge.
I know people dont like to be regulated, so I hope the sign will put a smile on their face, Mendes said. The sign reads, Attention dog guardians: Please pick up after your dogs; Attention dogs: Grrr, Bark, Woof, Good Dog, Thank You.
Mendes said Scotts Corners is an important and historical part of Pound Ridge and the association wants to guard its integrity.
We want to see a lot of residents enjoying the community and we want to make it as nice and pleasant as possible, she said.
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