North Hempstead Considers Raising Dog Poop Fine To Match Mistake On Signs

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Long Island community of North Hempstead says residents have to pick up after their dogs or pay the price – but exactly what that price is might be a little confusing.

Signs in North Hempstead say the maximum fine for failing to pick up after a dog is $250.

But that is a mistake, according to town code. The actual fine is $25.

Community leaders have been considering raising the fine to what is actually posted. They want to do that instead of footing the bill for replacing hundreds of signs for a crime that is not easy to stop.

"It is hard to enforce, because you actually have to catch the dog in the act in order to give them a citation," said North Hempstead town spokeswoman Carole Trottere.

The issue is expected to be discussed at a public hearing on Dec. 9.

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