The streets of North Crown Heights, Brooklyn are filthy despite the efforts of residents who pack their trash in bags before their pick up by garbage trucks. Even the alternate side parking rules to allow for street sweepings are followed, but to no avail. The unwelcome guests-the stray dogs-seem to think that they have a right to grunge for food when all is quiet.
According to the NYC Administrative Code §16-118(2) and §16-118.1, “all commercial premises should be maintained (the sidewalk and the area 18 inches from the curb) at the beginning and at the end of the day.” Restaurant owners claim to comply with these rules profusely, sweeping the sidewalks in the evenings and placing their trash in the designated areas. However, upon their arrival the following morning they are confronted with a disgusting spillage throughout the block.
Residents of this neighborhood admit that sanitation comes by on their regular schedule to do their part to keep the streets clean. But the stray dogs that occupy this area will not allow the inhabitants and the city workers to have a hygienic dwelling.
About three stray dogs of mixed breeds live in a makeshift shack in an empty lot on Albany Avenue. During the time that the restaurants are closed, the dogs tear open the trash bags filled with putrid food in hopes of finding dinner.
The owners of these establishments are left to clean up the smelly mess. They complain of large rodents and the overall health risks that this condition brings forth. Yet, the dogs still roam free, terrorizing the defenseless trash leaving a community defeated and left to deal with the disorder.
I have the same problem in my neighborhood and as the dogs disappear they reappear. Large dogs as well as small dogs, and it is definitely a frightening feeling, when one of the dogs walk pass you as you wait for the bus.
I thought all dogs go to Heaven, not Crown Heights.
AC&C – Brooklyn Animal Care Center
2336 Linden Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11208
(212) 788 4000
Shelter Hours: 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 Days a Week
Adoption Hours: Noon to 7:00pm, 7 Days a Week
Closed on All Holidays
Directions: Take the ‘3’ train to New Lots Ave; walk South on Ashford St. to Linden Blvd; turn left on Linden and walk 4 blocks East (shelter is on the South side of the street between Essex St. and Shepherd Ave.)