Owners can now be fined for not picking up after their pets

The City of Wilmington is now cracking down on waste; in the name of cleaner storm water. A new ordinance went into effect Sunday. Pet owners can be fined $250 if they do not pick up after their pets in public places. If left on the ground, the waste runs off into our water through storm drains, contaminating the water and spreading disease. Most pet owners say they are okay with the new rules. “I think it's a good thing. I think it's going to help contribute to our water quality and protecting our natural resources, which I think is important,” said dog owner Mike Lardieri. “I think if more people got educated about storm water runoff and what happens when the waste is washed in our streams, they'd be for it too.” Homeowners are also required to keep storm drains on their property free of debris or pollutants to maintain flow of water and keep it clean.