Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

I mentioned in a thread a few weeks ago that there was someone (or multiple people) who leave their dog poop in a one block area that has an empty lot and commercial businesses by my house.

There were three suspects that I see in the morning in the same area but never caught them in the act.

This morning I'm driving past and this woman with her mixed Pug is there. I drive slow and as I reach the end of the block, I see her dog poop and she walks away.

AH-HA!!

So... I put the car in reverse and backed up to her. Rolled down my window and said, "Are you the person that is leaving their dog's crap all over the ground?"

She was very nice, said no it's not me, I just forgot a bag this morning - I live three houses down so I'll just get one and come back. I'm not sure that I believe her. Then she says, I know who it is and it's usually on the other side of the street (which is right - she always walks on the opposite side).

I said, is it a girl walking a big fuzzy white and gray dog? She says, yes. And his poops are about as big as my dog. Which is also correct... I realized that her dog would not be capable of producing that size poop!

So I apologized for being so blunt and try to find a bag in my car - I don't have one. I introduce myself, find out her name, and thank her for not taking offense to my tactic but I'm so angry that I always have to be on the lookout for it. We chat a bit about our dogs and I go on my way.

I'm not sure that I completely believe her, because I find small poop around the area she frequents also. But she might be on her toes more, knowing that I know her name and where she lives now.

Now for my question... would you do anything about the information you received about the other offender? The yard and house that they live in is in disrepair and it's the only crummy looking house in the area. All their cars are rusting, falling apart, and I found their dog in my yard more than once. I brought it back and they were like "Oh. Thanks." like they were disappointed I brought it back.

I don't have any proof. But lets say, one day, that I did witness it or get proof. What are some creative options, you think, to get the point across?

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

In all honesty, no, I don't think you should do anything with this new information. All you have is one woman blaming some other neighbor. You have no "proof" to speak of.

Honestly, it's not your property, and I don't think it's your place to go around accusing people of not cleaning up after their dogs. If you were out walking your dog and saw someone not cleaning up after themselves, then I would definitely say something - but certainly not what you said to this woman. I honestly think what you did was pretty out of line -- and no, I absolutely do NOT condone people not cleaning up after their dogs. That's disgusting, irresponsible, and illegal. For all you know, though, she did really forget a bag. It happens. But driving by slowly to watch her, throwing your car in reverse, and saying what you said the way you said it was, IMHO, inappropriate.

I COMPLETELY understand that not cleaning up after your dog is awful. I do not condone anyone leaving their dog's mess behind ANYWHERE. However, if I saw you spying on my while walking my dog and then speaking to me like that, I'd think you were crazy. And, quite frankly, you could run into a complete whacko and talking to them like that could put you in danger.

I think your heart is in the right place and I think it's great that you care about your neighborhood. Your approach, however, is a bit much.

ETA -- I am sorry, however, that you have to deal with this in your neighborhood. Like I said, I know your heart is in the right place.

Message edited 2/12/2010 9:43:15 AM.

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

Message edited 2/12/2010 10:20:49 AM.

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

I'm not going to argue with you. I will, however, just clear up one thing regarding your first point.

I was responding to this:

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

I agree with what you did. Sadly someone has to be the one to take control when there is no one else to take control, since the police will not be able to handle the issue.

Based on the new info, I would keep my eye out and when I catch that person, then address it. But even still, the way you describe them and their home sounds like it's a no win situation. They don't reallly sound like they care what you think and they may even make matters worse for you if you do comment. They sound like they have issues larger than this, kwim?

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

Good point. The fact that it's a young girl is actually hopeful to me, if she is in fact the one not cleaning up after her dog. Maybe she's more open minded. I try to think if I was that responsible as a teenager but I lost my dog before I turned 13. Maybe she would just need a suggestion to realize that it's not right, and that people do notice.

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

I admire what you did. I wouldn't of had the balls to confront her. I would just wait until you catch the other people in the act and then say something directly to them. Can you ask the town to post a sign in the empty lot notifying of the fine if you do not clean up after your dog?

I doubt she forgot a bag tho. How do you go out without one? I had one instance where I was walking 2 of my Shih Tzu's and I brought 2 bags. Well one decided to dump twice (unusual) so I was short a bag. By the time I got home to get another bag anf go back to pick it up a complete stranger was on my doorstep with a shovel and the poop and started yelling at me for not cleaning up after my dog. When I pulled the bag out from behind my back and explained to him what happened he apoologized and stressed that there is someone not picking up. So your not the only one!!!

Message edited 2/12/2010 3:13:42 PM.

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

Good for you!!! I would never have the balls to do that!!!! ONLY if it was in front of my house or on my lawn.. I admire what you did and with the new information I would keep my eyes out and if i caught them then I think its appropriate to say something ( i probably wouldnt have the guts) but I dont think you are wrong one bit.. You have a lead on who it is so now you can see for yourself.. I wish I had your guts

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

Re: Made progress on finding the Dog Poop Bandit

Posted by dilb712

I wish I had your guts