'It's a health hazard': Bethany Beach hikes dog poop fine

Dog-walkers are about to have a harsher punishment if they don't pick up their dog's poop in Bethany Beach.

Bethany officials voted Friday to increase the town's fine for dogs who do their business on someone else's property.

The new fine is $100 for the first offense and $200 for any offense after that. The original fine was between $25 and $75.

The council is typically not supposed to pass a new rule on the same day that it’s introduced, but officials suspended the rules Friday to pass it immediately without opposition. Council members Joseph Healy and Faith Denault were not present for the vote.

"Bethany Beach is certainly the dog-walking destination for southeastern Sussex County," said Cliff Graviet, the town manager, during the meeting. "We have a few people who choose not to pick up after their dogs."

Bethany already has rules on the books: Dogs can't leave poop on public land, like the beach, or someone else's property. Dog-walkers are supposed to clean it up, and are fined if they don't. Exceptions are made for "specially trained companions" such as seeing eye dogs, though the mayor said that doesn't include emotional support animals.

Some say they’re seeing more of the pet excreta as more people move to towns along the inland bays.

"It seems to have become more of an issue this year, for some reason," said Vice Mayor Rosemary Hardiman, calling the dog-poop influx a "health hazard."

Graviet said the increased fine seeks to "draw attention to the issue" rather than "punish people in a draconian sort of way."

Background:Bethany Beach to double down on dog poop fines

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Other officials appeared more frustrated.

"There’s really no legitimate excuse (for) not picking up your dog waste," said Bethany Beach Mayor Lew Killmer, pointing to the "dog waste receptacles" that he said are already around town.

The town is also adding 12 additional bag dispensers on the boardwalk and beach ramps in "the next week or two," Graviet said.

"The town spends about $3,000 a year purchasing bags," the town manager added.

Other towns have similar fines for dog-walkers who don't keep grounds clean of pet droppings. Rehoboth Beach fines $25. Fenwick Island fines $100. Dewey Beach fines $95 for the first offense and $200 for repeat offenses. Lewes fines $200 for the first offense and $500 for repeat offenses. Ocean City fines range from $25 to $1,000.

Some towns make exceptions for police dogs and seeing-eye dogs.

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