New York Dog Poop Laws by County: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

If you live in New York and own a dog, you’ve probably seen signs saying “Curb Your Dog” or “Clean Up After Your Pet.” But did you know that failing to pick up after your dog is actually illegal in most parts of the state? New York doesn’t have just one dog poop law—it’s handled at the county and city level. This article breaks down what you need to know across key counties.

Why New York Takes Dog Waste Seriously

Dog poop isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a health hazard. It carries harmful bacteria and parasites that can spread to humans and other animals. It also contributes to water pollution when washed into storm drains. That’s why dog poop laws exist—to keep communities clean, safe, and sanitary.

Does New York State Have a Dog Poop Law?

Yes, New York State has a general “Pooper Scooper Law,” especially for cities with populations over 400,000. This law makes it illegal to leave dog waste on streets, sidewalks, and other public areas. However, local governments expand on this law with their own ordinances, including fines and enforcement practices.

New York County (Manhattan)

What are the dog poop laws in Manhattan?

New York City has one of the strictest dog poop laws in the country. It’s illegal to leave your dog’s waste on any public or private property you don’t own. The “Pooper Scooper Law” has been in place since 1978.

• Fines can reach up to $250 per violation
• Property owners can report violators directly to the city
• Even leaving a bag of poop behind is a ticketable offense

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Kings County (Brooklyn)

Are dog poop laws enforced in Brooklyn?

Absolutely. The NYC law applies to all boroughs, including Brooklyn. If your dog poops on the sidewalk, grass strip, or in a park, you must pick it up immediately or face a fine.

• Officers may issue tickets on the spot
• Repeated offenses may result in higher penalties
• Some neighborhoods track complaints for stricter enforcement

Queens County

Is picking up after your dog required in Queens?

Yes. Queens follows the same citywide laws. Failing to clean up your dog’s waste in public or on someone else’s property can lead to fines and even court appearances for repeat offenders.

• Bag dispensers are available in many public parks
• Carrying a bag is strongly encouraged by law enforcement

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Bronx County

What about dog waste laws in the Bronx?

The Bronx follows the New York City Pooper Scooper Law, which mandates that pet owners must remove their dog’s waste immediately from public or private property.

• Fines for violations range from $50 to $250
• City sanitation and police officers can enforce the law

Richmond County (Staten Island)

Do dog poop laws apply in Staten Island?

Yes. Staten Island is part of New York City and follows the same strict rules on dog waste. Pet owners are legally responsible for cleanup on sidewalks, parks, and streets.

• Fines apply to anyone not removing their dog’s feces
• Residents can report violators using NYC’s 311 system

Westchester County (Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle)

Are there dog poop laws outside NYC?

Yes. In Westchester County, most cities and towns have their own ordinances requiring pet owners to clean up after their dogs. Not doing so can result in fines or other penalties.

• Yonkers requires immediate waste removal in public areas
• White Plains fines can range from $50 to $200
• HOAs and residential complexes often have added rules

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Nassau County (Hempstead, Garden City)

What are the dog waste laws in Nassau County?

Local municipalities in Nassau County require that dog owners clean up after their pets in public places. Leaving poop behind is considered a health code violation.

• Some towns require owners to carry cleanup bags
• Violations can result in warnings or fines up to $250

Suffolk County (Brookhaven, Islip, Huntington)

Does Suffolk County enforce pet waste laws?

Yes. In Suffolk County, dog owners must pick up waste immediately and dispose of it in a sanitary manner. Most towns and villages have specific laws detailing the requirement.

• Brookhaven has a strict waste cleanup rule in all parks
• Repeat violations may include higher fines or court summons

Monroe County (Rochester)

Are there dog poop laws in Monroe County?

Yes. Rochester and surrounding areas enforce sanitation codes requiring owners to pick up dog waste on all public property. Non-compliance can result in a fine.

• City parks have visible signage about pet waste laws
• Residents can report offenders through the city’s website

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Common Questions About New York Dog Waste Laws

Do I need to carry a poop bag by law?

In many cities like NYC, yes. Not having a bag can be considered intent to break the law and result in a fine.

Can I be fined if no one sees me?

If there’s evidence (video, photo, witness), you can still be fined. Many neighborhoods use surveillance or community reporting tools like 311.

Is leaving bagged poop on the ground okay?

No. Bagging the poop but not disposing of it properly still counts as a violation in most counties.

What if my dog poops on someone’s lawn?

You’re still required to clean it up immediately. Property owners can report the incident and press for enforcement.

How to Stay Compliant

• Always carry bags – Keep extras on the leash or in your pocket
• Use dog-friendly trash bins – Never toss waste into someone’s private bin without permission
• Read signs in parks – Rules may differ between areas
• Report broken dispensers – Help your city maintain clean spaces

Conclusion

New York takes dog poop laws seriously. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Rochester, you’re expected to clean up after your pet—no excuses. Local fines and enforcement vary, but the message is the same: pick up after your dog to protect public health and community spaces.

And if you haven’t already, click here to calculate your dog’s age in human years. Knowing your dog’s age helps you plan better care and ensure their health through every stage of life.