STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — No. 2 is rising to the top of the complaint list.

New York City residents are growing increasingly frustrated with a rising problem of uncollected dog waste on sidewalks and streets, according to a report by amNY.

As per the city’s Office of Technology and Innovation, dog waste complaints through the 311 system have increased to 1,950 through Aug. 21 this year, up from 1,750 during the same period in 2024, the report said.

The issue has spread throughout the five boroughs. Residents are reporting not just uncollected waste, but also bags of collected waste being deliberately left under trees and in sidewalk rain gardens, the report said.

“I live in a new building right by the Staten Island Ferry. It’s everywhere,” Staten Island resident Dani Benavides said. “I walk my dogs four to six times daily. There are trash cans on almost every corner. It’s not hard to pick up after your pet.”

Dr. Brunilda Nazario, chief physician editor of medical affairs at WebMD, told the outlet that dog waste can harbor dangerous bacteria and parasites.

She identified specific threats including Giardia, E. coli, Staph, Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter and Helicobacter, noting that children and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable,

The Department of Sanitation issued only 13 summonses last year for failure to remove canine waste. Enforcement proves challenging as officers must personally witness violations to issue citations, the report said.

“We understand this to be an important quality-of-life issue for all New Yorkers,” a department spokesperson said, noting the use of mobile cameras for enhanced enforcement and conducting educational outreach campaigns are ideas being explored.

Staten Island Councilman Frank Morano emphasizes the need for both individual responsibility and stronger enforcement.

“The law is clear; you’re required to curb your dog. But too many people ignore it because they don’t think there are consequences,” Morano said.

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