Roosevelt Island, A Land Without Dogs No More - But What Can Be Done About Irresponsible Owners Not Cleaning Poop & Unleashed Dogs?

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island Puppies

Commenting on this post last summer about dogs being banned from some sections of Gantry State Park across the river in Long Island City, a reader recently wrote:

Dogs owners in RI are not obeying the leash law, the clean-after-your-dog law, not even in the assigned dog run enclosures, as you see posted signs there, too, begging owners to pick up after their beauties. I have noticed that most of the public signs about these laws have been removed. And there is poop everywhere. Owners are letting their pets destroy our gardens, grass, beautiful trees, and landscaped areas, and it is a shame. Our common green areas are the greatest asset about RI.

I have often seen and heard from many other Roosevelt Island residents complaining about dog owners not cleaning up after their pets,

not obeying the curb your dog signs

and allowing their dogs to run unleashed. RIOC has started to pay attention to this problem by banning dogs from Firemen's Field in Southtown


although some dog owners are still disobeying the law and common courtesy as this person was who just exited Firemen's Field with his dog.

I inquired of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Keith Guerra:

I have been receiving messages from residents complaining that dogs owners are not sufficiently cleaning up after their pets and leaving the dog droppings on the grass in the Southtown area as well as in Blackwell Park. Besides just being disgusting to look at, it becomes a health hazard for children and others who want to play or just walk on the grass. This has become a real issue in degrading the quality of life here on Roosevelt Island.

Is there a Public Safety Department Policy regarding dog owners who don't clean up after their pets or allow them to run around unleashed in areas outside of the Dog Runs? Have any tickets been issued in such cases? Also what does the "Curb Your Dog Sign" mean? Must owners insure that their dogs urinate and defecate at the street curb or does it just mean they have to clean up after them.

I have noticed that signs have been placed in front of Firemen's Field advising that "NO Dogs Allowed". That's a good start but I have already seen at least one person ignoring it by walking their dog on the field.

Mr.Guerra responded:

The Public Safety Department has received calls regarding dog owners not picking up after their dogs. Unfortunately, by the time we respond to the location, the person is usually gone. However, if someone is seen by a Public Safety Officer not picking up after their dog, they can be ticketed.

Dogs are also not permitted to run loose in non-designated areas. "Curb your Dog" signs refer to just that. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

"No Dogs Allowed" signs are authorized to be placed on private property. If a person disobeys any of the posted signs, they fall subject to being ticketed as well.

Please note that Public Safety Officers can use discretion and choose to issue a verbal warning in lieu of a ticket.

Residents need to use good judgement in these areas, as they do affect the Quality of Life here on the island. Encourage your readers to be good neighbors by keeping their dogs on a leash and picking up after them as well.

According to RIOC President Steve Shane:

Complaints about dog walkers not properly cleaning up after their pets have been made. There will be increased enforcement of the leash laws, including the obvious clean up responsibility to everyone’s neighbors.

Southtown's Related management sent the following memo to Rivewalk residents concerning dogs on the communal lawns.

Portion of Riverwalk Commons Area

From Riverwalk Management:

RE: Dogs on the Communal Lawn

The lawn between 405 Main Street, 415 Main Street and 425 Main Street is intended for passive recreation.

We currently allow dogs on the lawns with their care takers provided that all dogs are curbed. In addition to curbing dogs while on the lawn it is imperative that when playing with dogs on the lawn the ground floor units are not impacted.

Dogs will continue to be permitted on the lawn as long as it remains a clean and safe environment for everyone. However, if concerns arise in the future the lawn will become a dog-free zone.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Dog running unleashed today on Riverwalk Commons

Of course, there are responsible dog owners who are cleaning up after their dogs and not allowing them to run unleashed. They should not be punished or chastised for those acting irresponsibly and selfishly.

You know there was a time when dogs were not allowed on Roosevelt Island.

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