Yes – by City Ordinances, animal owners and handlers must pick up after pets. 

§ 3-4-6 DEFECATION BY A DOG OR CAT.  "An owner or handler shall promptly remove and sanitarily dispose of feces left on public or private property by a dog or cat being handled by the person, other than property owned by the owner or handler of the dog or cat.” Potential fine: Up to $500.

§ 15-6-112 - ACCUMULATIONS AND DEPOSIT OF WASTE PROHIBITED. (A) A person commits an offense if the person deposits, causes to be deposited, or permits to accumulate any dry or wet solid waste upon any public or private premises within the city in such a manner as to emit noxious or offensive odors or to become unsanitary or injurious to public health or safety.

§ 3-2-11 - ENCLOSURE REQUIRED. (A)(3) maintained in a sanitary condition that does not allow flies to breed or cause an odor offensive to an adjacent residence or business

If you’d like to help raise awareness in your area, please visit www.ScoopthePoopAustin.org to view our FREE educational resources, including small yard signs, brochures, newsletter articles, and posters.

Austin Police Department has the enforcement authority to fine violators if an APD officer witnesses the infraction. If you’d like information on accusing a violator through the municipal court system, please call 3-1-1 for more information.

If you need to report a location polluted with a large amount of pet waste or a threat to water quality please call our Pollution Prevention Hotline (512) 974-2550 ANYTIME (24 hours/7 days).