Swampscott selectmen discuss ways to curb dog waste

SWAMPSCOTT – Selectman Barry Greenfield sparked a discussion at the Wednesday meeting when he suggested residents take photos of owners leaving their dog?s waste on the sidewalk to catch them in the act.Greenfield said the town should provide gloves and baggies at more open spaces. “If people knew there were other people taking pictures of them, they wouldn?t break the law.”Selectman Jill Sullivan said even if the dog owners were snapped in the act, there would be no way to attribute a name or address to the person or the dog.Town Administrator Thomas Younger was concerned with public safety. “If you?re taking a photo of somebody with their dog, I?m concerned about liability,” he said.Greenfield said his concern was not just for dog waste, but also for leaves and snow removal. “We should reintroduce bylaws for leaves and for snow, and I guess I will figure out a method for poop,” he said.Selectman David Van Dam said dog waste was a real concern in his Puritan Road neighborhood. “Some people just let their dogs go in my yard, and others bag it and throw it in my yard,” he said. “I appreciate the baggers.”Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].