I'm sure this topic has been discussed previously but I couldn't find any results. We have some very inconsiderate neighbors who bring their dogs to our yard let them poop on our grass and not pick up after them. I have never actually witnessed it but I have seen the evidence left behind. I have called the HOA and they said that without the act being witnessed (with photographic evidence) there is nothing they can do. I just want to say that is ridiculous. What suggestions do any of you have?

We have had the same problem with our neighbors as well. I live in a townhome and we share a common area between the building that my neighbor used as a doggy toliet and never bothered to pick it up. After asking them to clean up after there dog and calling the HOA, my neighbor moved and rented out their townhome to someone else, who has been a little more considerate regarding their multiple dogs. Funny thing is a couple of days ago, my original neighbor knocked on our door and told use that we were the reason they moved and we are the reason their tennants are moving. The reason she stated is that we are harassing them about cleaning up after their dogs and she then said she was going to call the police if we continued to harass her tenants (BTW, we have never gone over to them or anything like that, but if we were outside and the dog did it's business, and they started to go inside without cleaning it up, we stopped them asked them to clean up after their dog. Anyhow, my point to this ramble is that it is a community wide issue and something really needs to be done.

I agree that it is a community wide issue that has unfortunately been going on from day one. It is true that nothing can be done without evidence and even then, its definitely a battle. Thankfully whatever dog was pooping in my yard is now gone but others are still around pooping elsewhere. My suggestion? Carry one or 2 baggies with you and if you witness someones dog pooping, offer them a bag to pick it up. I know its not necessarily the best solution, but for me it works without being too confrontational about the situation but still making our point crystal clear to the violator. The biggest thing is, you'll at least get people that care to react and start doing the right thing. As for others... they will never care and will continue to be inconsiderate in which case there really isn't anything we can do except keep calling them out on it until they wake up.

BTW, Scooterbrat... I had to laugh at your story. Mainly just because they let their own ignorance get to them to the point that they moved. Who the heck does that??? I find it hard to believe you are the sole reason to them moving. And if you were, my parents could've used your assistance in their last nieghborhood!

Oh, one of my favorite topics. Pet owners in this community are PIGS and it makes things difficult for the responsible pet owners.

Yes, it's true, you must have photo evidence is someone is using your property for Fido's toilet.

HOWEVER, if you have a neighbor that owns a pet and is not cleaning their yard you have complete backing by our CC&R's to expect the HOA to take action. Our rules clearly state that yards must be cleaned of animal waste in a reasonable amount of time. OK, so that means they don't have to pick it up immediately upon evacuation but it does mean you should not have to look at the pile for more than a couple days. That rule only applies to the property belonging to the unit.

Common (or shared) spaces which belong to the community, poop must be picked up immediately. That's 95% of the property surrounding townhomes.

Here's the big rub for your neighbors Scooter. Your neighbors are suppose to notify the HOA that they are renting the unit and supply names of the new tenants. It's in the rules but our HOA can't scratch their behinds without hiring an assistant to do it, so many of the rental issues fall through the cracks.

But one thing that can't fall through the cracks is the owners of the rental unit are required to furnish a copy of the community rules to the tenants. The owners (who are obviously clueless) are responsible for the tenants abiding by the rules.

Ultimately if the tenants are fined for not picking up poop the owners are responsible. Isn't that just a whack with the irony stick. They move out to avoid following the rules and then they get fined because the tenants don't.

It's just another issue of many that shows our HOA and developer are incapable of managing the community. They are afraid to tell people there are rules and they will be enforced. It's better the residents suffer than have someone not like the HOA.

Next time your neighbors give your crap (sorry) hand them a copy of our CC&R's.

What I really enjoy is the neighborhood cats that wander around unrestrained as is required by law and poop in my yard nearly every morning. Their owners I'm sure enjoy it because it is me picking up their animals crap! Huh, who knew owning an pet or harboring a stray would be so much work for my neighbors.

6.12.050: RESTRAINTS:

The owner of or person responsible for a dog or cat shall restrain said dog or cat either by leash, rope, impenetrable wall, fence or other barrier, or by constant supervision, such that the animal is prevented from leaving the owner's or responsible person's property or supervision. Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor, and the owner of an animal not restrained as provided in this section shall be strictly liable for any damage caused by such animal. (Prior code § 7.12.060)

As for the rest of you with your nuisance animals let me draw your attention to the following city ordinances:

6.08.020: NUISANCES:

A. Declaration: The following animals are declared to be nuisances:

1. An animal causing significant damage to the property of a person not its owner;

2. A fierce, dangerous or vicious animal which, in the opinion of the enforcing animal control officer, cannot be restrained so as to remove all substantial risk of personal injury or substantial property damage;

3. An animal which causes unreasonable fouling of the air by odors;

4. An animal which causes seriously unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings;

5. A dog, cat, or animal of similar or greater size which defecates on any public sidewalk, park or building, or on any private property without the consent of the owner of such private property, unless the owner of or person responsible for such animal shall immediately and properly dispose of the defecation;

6. An animal which barks, whines or howls or makes other disturbing noises in an excessive, continuous or untimely fashion;

7. An animal which molests passersby or chases passing vehicles;

8. An animal which habitually or frequently attacks persons or other domestic animals;

9. A "wild animal", as defined in this title, if said wild animal is kept or harbored in an area of the city zoned for residential use; Prior code § 7.12.130)

10. An animal which is determined by the police department or health department to be a public nuisance by virtue of being offensive or dangerous to the public health, welfare or safety. (Prior code § 7.12.130; amd. Ord. 2006-23, 10-17-2006)