PORT TOWNSEND — City Council members unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday requiring owners to clean up waste created by their pets.
While the council found humorous moments in discussing ways of keeping Port Townsend “poop free,” the final message was clear: Pet owners must clean up after Fido or face a not-so-funny maximum fine of $100.
The ordinance is effective on all public lands, including parks, streets and sidewalks. The law also applies to private property the pet owner does not own or rent.’
Council members felt strongly enough about the issue that they waived rules that require two readings of a new ordinance.
“I move we waive council rules to adopt the ordinance tonight,” councilwomen Laurie Medlicott said.
“It seems like a no-brainer to me,” she said of the law.
The pet waste idea was brought before the council by citizen Jim Todd last December.