Pet owners in Foley will soon face penalties for failing to pick up after their pets in city parks and other public places.

    The city council passed the ordinance through last month.

    Deputy Chief Randy Bishop thinks the ordinance came to be because there were some individuals who did not clean up after themselves.

    Bishop said those found to be in violation of the ordinance will be issued a summons to appear in court to face fines. Failure to appear in court could result in an arrest warrant being issued.

    “If they clean up after themselves there is not a problem,” said Bishop. “If they choose not to and they are summoned to court it would behoove them to appear in court and pay the fine. The fine is graduated, increasing with each additional offense.”

    Bishop said it all comes down to taking responsibility for your actions, or your pet’s actions.

    “Having a dog, there is a responsibility to water it and feed it and bathe it and clean up after it too if you are going to have it out in public,” he said.