From the Archives: The Dog Police
The Garden Club of the Back Bay supported the passing of Boston’s “Pooper Scooper” ordinance in 1979, but problems persisted, and in January of 1983 member Selma Friedman introduced a proposal to deputize block dog watchers to apprehend and embarrass offenders. “Mention was made that owners often do not realize that their dog is polluting the soil and hence slowly killing the tree; they often state they think the opposite.” Signs were discussed, but because of strict signage rules in the historic district the idea was abandoned. Three members then agreed to contact the Boston Ledger regarding the possibility of an article promoting adherence to the law.
There is no evidence in the archives that such an article ever materialized. The concept of a Garden Club militia tracking down puppy-owner offenders is wildly comical. In recent years we began our tree fence program, encouraging individuals, businesses and condominium associations to purchase our pre-approved and beautiful tree fences, protecting our trees and beautifying the neighborhood. To learn more about, and to order such a fence, visit http://www.gardenclubbackbay.org/tree-fence-project/. Image courtesy of www.dogtrainingacademy.org.
