There are more dog poop piles than there are nip bottles on the side streets of downtown Hopkinton, and that’s saying something! Our sidewalks are littered with poop. It’s nasty for the kids walking to school, who will track the poop on their shoes into the schools, it’s nasty for the neighbors who like a daily stroll and have to dodge the poop and risk tracking it into their houses, and nasty for the folks who don’t live downtown but frequently drive to town to take walks.
Dog walkers, please carry plastic bags on each walk. If you forget a bag, when you get home, drive back to the spot where your dog relieved itself and clean up the mess. If bending over is painful, there are portable scoopers.
Scooping is considerate and keeps the neighborhoods attractive.
Thank you!
— Kim Hesse, Hopkinton
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Kim, I agree. Center Trail has become especially problematic, particularly along the main walking path where waste is often left directly in the middle of the only passable route.
There is no excuse. There are disposal bag dispensers at both ends of the trail, along with trash cans. Dog owners literally walk past them on their way in and out.
This is about basic consideration for neighbors, families, and others who use the trail. Picking up after your dog is not optional, it is part of being a responsible member of the community.
Well said, Kim and David! Thank you for writing about this in a nice manner before I vented my displeasure about this topic!
In addition to Center Trail, the neighborhoods of Charlesview and Ravenwood and the Hopkinton State Park are littered with poop. Hughes Farm Trail also has pet poop left behind. I counted 10 this past week!
Pet owners: please respect and show responsibility in your own neighborhoods and if you use the beautiful trails in Hopkinton – do likewise!
And the Poopie-Bag Fairy doesn’t stop here anymore!