Anyone who walks down a Staten Island block knows it: dog waste has become a major quality-of-life issue. A recent report confirms what residents have been saying for years—New York City has a serious “poop problem,” and it’s affecting every borough.
This isn’t just about inconvenience or unpleasant sights and smells. It’s about public health, neighborhood pride, and basic respect for our communities. Staten Islanders work hard to keep their homes and streets clean, yet careless dog owners often leave behind a mess for their neighbors to deal with.
As your Councilmember, I’ve clarified that quality-of-life issues can’t be ignored. Whether it’s illegal dumping, graffiti, or dog waste on our sidewalks, New Yorkers deserve better. That’s why I’m calling for real accountability and smarter enforcement. If the City can spend millions on bureaucracy and waste, it can certainly invest in cleaner streets, more trash cans, and better enforcement tools.
But this isn’t only about City Hall—it’s about civic responsibility. Most dog owners do the right thing. The message should be clear for those who don’t, if you leave a mess behind, you’ll be held accountable.
Staten Island families deserve clean, safe neighborhoods in which to raise their children. I’m fighting for that on the City Council, and I won’t stop until we get it right.
Read the full article here: NYC’s poop problem: Dog waste is a major quality of life issue across 5 boroughs, report says
