NEGAUNEE — Residents in the city of Negaunee can expect tighter enforcement of an ordinance governing dog waste in the coming weeks.

City Manager Nate Heffron announced a “stronger emphasis on pet owners cleaning up after their dogs” in a press release issued Thursday.

“Beginning today the city will be working on stricter enforcement measures, creating awareness, and working to achieve compliance,” the release states.

The ordinance prohibits a pet owner or person controlling an animal to allow the animal to “leave its excrement upon any private or public property, unless that excrement in immediately and thoroughly removed from the property.”

According to the release, enforcement of the animal waste ordinance will be enforced in public spaces including parks, streets, and alleys.

All waste must be disposed of properly in a trash receptacle, the release states. Failure to comply with the ordinance by either failing to pick up after a pet or improper disposal of pet waste could result in a $50 fine, the release states.

The city is providing waste bag kiosk sites at Miners Park, Bernie Rivers Park, the Old Water Depot, the Houghton Law Offices, Brown Avenue, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail Trailhead, the Jackson Mine Gazebo and the Pocket Park on near the corner of Rail and Division Streets. Maps of the kiosk locations are available at city hall.

The city will also provide residents free dog-leash bag carriers, one per household, at city hall where utility bills are paid while supplies last.

Facebook will be used to communicate with the public about the issue, the release states, but other modes of communication may be employed if necessary.

Any questions about the initiative can be directed to the city manager by calling 906-475-7700 ext. 11.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.