The Town of Okotoks is reminding pet owners to clean up after their furry friends.

With snow long gone and dry conditions, pet waste left abandoned in town parks and sidewalks becomes more visible and is a hazard for pedestrians.

Parks manager Christa Michailuck says the Town receives more complaints around this time of year due to people who don't clean up their pet's waste.

Michailuck says the Town has "doggy bags" available for free.

"When people license their dogs, proceeds from that go towards our dog bag dispenser program that you might see out there in many, if not all, of the parks," she says. "There's about 80 dispensers around town."

It's recommended people take a couple extra bags for their pockets for any unexpected waste or try to pick up any others they see during their travels.

Michailuck says it's also important residents keep their dogs leashed while out for a walk.

"We have some signage out there reminding people that dogs need to be on leash and you must pick up after them. The only place that dogs are permitted off leash is at the off leash dog park. It's not a service that parks provide is to pick-up after dogs, that's not felt to be fair on the general taxpayer to be providing that service."

Under Bylaw 18-08, also known as the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, dog owners who are found not picking up their dog's waste could face a $100 fine.

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