Laguna Council OKs ‘Container’ Law : Ordinance: Dog-walkers would have to carry something they can use to clean up after their pets.

Vowing not to become the “container police,” but determined to make pet owners more responsible, the City Council tentatively approved an ordinance Thursday forcing dog-walkers to carry containers for animal waste.

The unanimous vote came in response to ongoing complaints that dog feces litter the city.

“Obviously, we’re not going to be container police,” Councilwoman Kathleen Blackburn said. “But I think it sends a message to people. They have to clean up after their dogs. It’s disgusting. It really is.”

A current city law already requires that pet owners clean up after their pooches, but Police Chief Neil J. Purcell Jr. said that ordinance is readily ignored by some residents.

“People complain about dog excretion on our beaches, on our sidewalks, in our parks--just all over,” Purcell said. Downtown, “you walk down Forest Avenue and you see it.”

Resident Karen Difede also encouraged the council to take action.

“The pet owners hold in contempt our rights and think they have special privileges.”

Purcell, who proposed the tougher law, maintains that dog-walkers will be more likely to tidy up after Rover if they are properly equipped.

The new law would force residents to carry “a suitable wrapper, bag or container” whenever they walk their dogs.

If the stricter ordinance wins final approval Aug. 2, it would become effective the following month. In the meantime, the city will begin an education campaign to advise people that they will have to carry containers and keep them visible.

For the first few months, animal control officers will issue warnings before giving citations, Purcell said. Violation of the ordinance would be a misdemeanor.

Blind people with guide dogs are exempt from the law.