Town Crier Articles

It's Responsible Pet Owners Month!

Posted on February 1, 2024 7:00 AM by Town Crier Staff

February is “Responsible Pet Owners Month”. So, let’s remind everyone what it means to be a neighborly and responsible pet owner in New Town. Keeping your pet healthy and happy is important. Equally important is controlling your pet’s behavior in a responsible manner. Be considerate of those living around you.

Always clean up after your pet - Your yard should not be filled with your pet's waste, nor should you neglect to pick up after your animal when going on walks around the neighborhood. Pet waste stations are available throughout New Town with disposable bags. Use them and encourage other pet owners to do the same with a gentle reminder pointing to the nearest area. Steer your dog to the mulched areas in our common spaces to urinate when possible. Thank those you see following the rules!

Leash your dog – Dogs and cats are naturally curious, so try to control where they explore and most importantly where they “do their business.” Would you want your landscape damaged? Recently, the Association received this complaint:

"I find that some pet owners are letting their pets relieve themselves in the bushes outside of my garage and the bushes near my front door. Fortunately some pets that the owner let come up to my front door didn't relieve themselves on my doorstep. Please if there's any way to remind pet owners to respect property owners property, please send out a request to all."

And another example:

"We have a neighbor who …repeatedly takes her dog outside off leash and does not pick up its feces. Last night, she let her dog out at the same time as us (with our dog) and her dog chased us down the alleyway barking and circling us, scaring us and our dog."

Do I know your dog? Always seek permission from another dog owner before allowing dogs to "meet" while passing on the sidewalk. Some dogs are anxious, older or more fearful and a more reserved approach is warranted.

New Town loves its pets, but they can damage property if not managed responsibly. Pet droppings, noise, unleashed dogs, etc.-all of these situations are addressed in the NTRA Master Declaration (Section 7.1(x)) and Rules (Section 11.1 – Animals). New Town pet owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements including those for use of the common areas (sidewalks, parks, alleys, etc.) in New Town. Report problems to our management company, Chesapeake Bay Management. Repeated violations are subject to fines including any poor pet management from tenants to NTRA owners.

In the spirit of being good pet neighbors (minimizing complaints and possible penalties), share this article with neighbors or dog owners especially tenants who may not be up to date on our rules. Print it and pass it around!