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Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has released a study highlighting a significant dog waste problem in the borough, particularly during the winter months. The study, which covers the period from January 2024 to April 2026, reveals nearly 1,700 complaints were made to 311 about dog waste. Residents of Washington Heights and Inwood were the most frequent complainants.
The report shows that dog waste complaints surged in February 2026, coinciding with heavy snowfall that blanketed the city. Hoylman-Sigal linked the complaints to a lack of litter baskets in certain neighborhoods, noting that areas with high dog waste complaints also had high rat populations.
The study's release comes as the city considers the SCOOP Act, a legislative package aimed at tackling the dog feces issue. The act includes measures to install dog poop bag dispensers next to public litter baskets and deploy sanitation workers to clean up areas with multiple complaints. According to the New York Post, Hoylman-Sigal emphasized the need for action, stating, "For far too long, Manhattanites have suffered from increasing levels of dog waste on their streets."
The study also graded Manhattan neighborhoods on cleanliness, with Washington Heights receiving a D grade due to its high complaint rate. The report found that blocks with fewer public trash cans had dog poop complaint rates nearly three times higher than those with adequate trash coverage.
The city plans to launch a NYC Scoop Patrol initiative, which will include community events and clean-ups. Members will receive a "Scoop Patrol" sticker as a reward for their efforts. The initiative aims to educate dog owners on the importance of cleaning up after their pets.
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