Now that the snow is gone the surprises left behind from pets and their owners who don't clean up after them are beginning surface.

This is prompting a reminder from the Town of Okotoks for people to make sure they're picking up after their pets.

Christa Michailuck, parks manager, says so far this spring the complaints haven't been too frequent but she can see that changing soon.

"There seem to be fewer this year than what we've noticed in the past and I'm not sure why that is... but I think with the nice weather finally here this past weekend people are just starting to get outside now so we might start to get more complaints."

Michailuck adds there's dog bag dispensers located throughout Okotoks.

"Most parks in town have a dog bag dispenser where bags are provided so please utilize those," she says. "Those are in part funded through pet licensing so use the dog bags and pick-up after pets, it's much appreciated."

People could face penalties if they're caught not cleaning up after their pets. Under Bylaw 18-08, 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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