Truesdale Lake is lovely for a walk any time of year. We welcome many people from both the neighborhood and outside the area to our perfect 2.6 mile loop.

Unfortunately, some of the folks walking with dogs are not cleaning up after their pets.  The evidence is right at the curb, near the mailboxes, and sometimes right in the middle of the street.  It is an unpleasant topic but it must be addressed.

If you own a dog, these unwelcome feces (are there any other kind?) pose a direct danger to your pet.

They can carry disease or parasites (hookworm, roundworm, and campylobacter) which can spread throughout the dog community quickly.

The poop also is a severe health hazard for small children, organ transplant recipients, immune system compromised patients, and the elderly.

Finally, the poop contributes to elevated fecal coliform bacteria in the lake and is generally disgusting smelling and unpleasant.

What can you do?

If you own a dog, clean up after your pet.  There are bag carriers that attach to leashes and collars like the one for sale here (and here).

Note: Many dog owners do clean up but then place their bags in the closest available private trash bin.  Many of the trash removal companies simply leave these baggies behind when hauling the big bags of trash (why are they so picky?  We don’t know!)  This leaves the homeowner to clean up the bags.  Solution: Take your used doggie bags back to your own trash to minimize your impact and be a good neighbor.

If you see a dog owner who is not taking responsibility, please politely ask them to clean up after their pet.  If they refuse, you can offer them a plastic bag if they have none.  In cases of repeat offenses, the Lewisboro Dog Control Officer (Christine McKenna) can be reached via the town.

You can also email Janet Donahue, Lewisboro Town Clerk (914-763-3511).  Town law prohibits dogs from “Creating a nuisance by defecating, urinating or digging on public property or private property other than that of its owner” among other things.  New changes in state and local dog laws took effect in 2011.

The town and lake community can help as well.  The community can help educate residents about the dangers of dog poop.  The town may be able to help by getting “doggie bag” dispensers and possibly receptacles placed strategically around the lake.  This is a possibility, even more so if grant money can be obtained and used.

Together we can help stop this problem and keep our wonderful lake neighborhood clean and healthy for all residents!

Please write any comments or ideas you have in the comments section below.

[Note: Updated in 2016 to reflect changes in Town Clerk and Dog Control officer.]

[Link to Lake Management Article on why no dogs are allowed on beaches.]