In Cartagena, Leaving pet excrement lying on the street can be very expensiveThe City Council has decided to take a further step in the fight against this bad practice and has reminded residents that the municipal ordinance includes financial penalties that can reach 1.500 euros for those who do not pick up their animals' feces.
The measure is part of a citizen awareness campaign The plan not only emphasizes fines but also focuses on the responsibility of each pet owner. The goal is to improve street cleanliness, neighborhood relations, and the city's overall image—problems seriously affected by the presence of excrement and urine in public areas.
Fines of 100 to 1.500 euros for not picking up dog excrement
Cartagena's municipal regulations are clear.Failure to remove pet waste from public areas constitutes a minor offense. However, the financial consequences can be significant, with fines ranging from €100 to €1.500 depending on the severity and whether it is a repeat offense.
During the campaign launch events, residents were reminded that The street, the sidewalks, and the squares are shared spaces.and that all users have the right to enjoy them in adequate hygienic conditions. Therefore, the City Council has insisted that it will reinforce the enforcement of the ordinance and increase monitoring of this type of antisocial behavior.
The Councillor for Social Policy, Cristina Mora, has stressed that these sanctions are not intended to raise revenue, but to correct behaviors that deteriorate coexistence and public healthAccording to him, the presence of feces and urine in the urban environment continues to be one of the issues that generates the most complaints among residents.
In various parts of the municipality, such as Carlos III Street or the Estación sector, direct contact with citizens has been used to clarify doubts about the ordinance regulating responsible pet ownership And to remind everyone that a penalty can be imposed whenever a property owner leaves excrement on public roads without collecting it.
A campaign to promote civic behavior
To accompany the strengthening of the regulations, the City Council has launched a communication campaign aimed at changing habits in the daily lives of pet owners. It's not just about informing people about fines, but about emphasizing the importance of small gestures that, added together, make a big difference in the cleanliness of the city.
This initiative has been developed in collaboration with the municipal cleaning concessionaire, Lhicarsawho actively participate in distributing materials and disseminating key messages. In some neighborhoods, the Municipal Council and residents' associations have also become involved, reinforcing the community nature of the campaign.
Information points have been distributed in different areas. brochures summarizing the regulations and possible penaltiesThese materials also highlight the benefits of keeping streets and squares clean. They explain in simple terms what constitutes an infraction and what behavior is expected of pet owners.
Throughout these days, municipal representatives have insisted that Urban cleanliness does not depend solely on the collection servicebut also of the involvement of each resident. The campaign encourages people to understand that every gesture, however small it may seem, contributes to building a more cared-for and pleasant Cartagena for everyone.
The underlying message is clear: Owning a pet entails rights, but also obligations.One of the most basic, and at the same time most visible, is to pick up their excrement and minimize the impact of their urine on the urban environment.
Distribution of bags, covers and bottles to facilitate compliance
To put theory into practice, the City Council and Lhicarsa have opted for to make simple and free tools available to citizensAmong the planned actions, the distribution of specific disposable bags for collecting feces stands out, thus ensuring that owners always have a resource at hand.
Along with the bags, the following are also delivered sleeves or small containers prepared to be filled with soapy waterThese containers are designed for residents to use immediately after their pet urinates in public, helping to dilute and clean the affected area.
In some areas, the cleaning staff have also explained the use of small containers where Mix one part water with three parts vinegarThis proportion helps neutralize the smell of urine and reduces its impact on pavements and facades. This homemade solution has been presented as a practical and easy-to-apply complement.
During the campaign activities, Councillor Cristina Mora and representatives of the cleaning company have also been handing out compostable bag roll holderwhich owners can hang from a leash or belt. This way, it's less likely they'll forget their bags when leaving home.
Users who have visited these information points have given the initiative positive feedback, noting that having access to free materials and constant reminders It makes it easier to incorporate these routines into your daily life and helps more people join in caring for public spaces.
Basic recommendations for pet owners
The campaign revolves around a series of very specific guidelines that the City Council considers essential for Keep the city clean and avoid penaltiesThese are simple rules, manageable for any responsible owner.
The first recommendation is Always carry bags When taking your dog out for a walk, it's not enough to rely on nearby bins or someone else taking care of it: each owner must immediately pick up their pet's feces and dispose of them properly in a container or bin.
Secondly, there is an emphasis on the use of bottles with water, with or without soap, to dilute urineAlthough urine is not as visible as feces, its accumulation generates bad smells, stains and a progressive deterioration of public roads, especially on sidewalks and busy areas.
Another key point is Prevent pets from relieving themselves on building facades, doorways, corners, or children's play areasThese areas are particularly sensitive, as they directly affect homes, businesses, and children's play areas, where tolerance for dirt is minimal.
The local administration also reminds that public space is shared by pedestrians, cyclists, children, the elderly, and all residents, with or without pets. Therefore, respecting hygiene regulations is understood as a basic sign of respect for others.
Finally, owners are encouraged to be well informed about the municipal ordinance to learn not only about the penalties, but also about the other obligations related to responsible pet ownership, such as identification, control in common areas or the use of a leash in certain areas.
Impact on coexistence, hygiene and the image of the city
Beyond fines and specific campaigns, the Cartagena City Council insists that The problem of excrement and urine in public areas has a direct impact on the quality of life. of those who live or work in the city. Neighborhood complaints tend to increase when neglect is perceived in this area.
The accumulation of dirt on sidewalks, in parks, or in doorways It disrupts daily life between neighbors.This creates conflict between those who follow the rules and those who don't. Furthermore, it limits the use of certain spaces, such as children's play areas or gardens, which many families avoid due to the presence of feces.
In terms of health, the presence of excrement on the street can pose an added risk, especially for children and people with reduced mobilitywho are more exposed to coming into contact with these dirty areas. That is why the municipal authorities insist on their immediate removal.
Also Cartagena's global image is affected When the streets are littered with animal remains, tourists, occasional visitors, and residents alike perceive the city's cleanliness as an indicator of care and civic responsibility, which influences the municipality's reputation.
The local administration has emphasized that, with citizen collaboration and compliance with basic rules, It is possible to significantly reduce the presence of excrement and urine on public roadsthus improving the urban environment without disproportionately increasing the resources allocated to cleaning.
Overall, the Cartagena municipal initiative combines clear information on the sanctions, distribution of practical materials, and an appeal to individual responsibility So that pet owners take on their role in caring for the city. Those who walk their animals in the street are, to a large extent, the ones who have the power to keep the sidewalks clean, avoid fines, and make daily life more pleasant for everyone.
