In New York we get to enjoy the snow for about five minutes before it's turned into a dirt slushee. After that, layers of yellow are added by the city's canines (and sometimes humans), along with street grime, and other little treats (rocks, needles, whatever). What we're saying is, our snow is dirty and depressing enough that the least we could do is pick the dog shit out of it. So this little pet etiquette reminder is for you, dog owners. more ›

According to the Post, Al Qaeda operatives tried to use dogs as their own kamikaze weapons against America in 2008, by surgically implanting explosives and detonators inside two stray dogs. We should be grateful for two things: that they sucked so much at stitching, the plan was nixed; and that the only thing that is explosive about our dogs is their poop. So in light of this dastardly doggy terror plot that-almost-was, let's appreciate the relative ease of dealing with our occasionally poop-filled sidewalks. more ›

Now that we're all up to speed on underground etiquette, artist Jay Shells has created a new piece aimed at dog owners. One of these just went up at 14th Street near 8th Avenue, and as you can see it comes with biodegradable bags for the taking. Animal reports that the artist is looking for suggestions on what other dog-stained neighborhoods might be in need of a visual and functional reminder guilt trip. And we're wondering what he should tackle next! more ›

After increasing the cost of pooper scooper fines from $100 to $250, city inspectors issued far fewer tickets to dog owners who didn't pick up after their pooches last year. The number of pooper scooper violations plummeted from 903 in the fiscal year of 2008 to just 580 in 2009—but experts say the decline in tickets has nothing to do with the higher cost of the violations. more ›

First off, there is an Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists. Last week this group had a trade group gathering in Nashville, and CityRoom reports that "while much of the talk at the seventh annual Pooper Scooper Convention, as usual, centered on business, it also featured the yearly tribute" to the death of the pooper scooper. That's right, the instrument in which the law is named after is nearly extinct. more ›

Spotted on Mott between Spring and Prince: a passive-aggressive note to a mysterious anti-pooper scooper! We just can't help but think this note could have been written better, though. It currently reads: "To person whose dog has taken a shit twice this week and you didn't pick it up. I'll be watching. If I catch you it won't go well for you." The threatening tone is there, but it doesn't seem to have that certain... je ne sais quoi. Next time maybe just try to sick the Sanitation Department on the Pooper-trator. more ›