Letting the yard slide for a few weeks is easy to do. But does Lubbock actually have rules about it? Yes. Here’s a plain-English look at what the city’s animal ordinance (Chapter 4 of the Lubbock Code of Ordinances) says about dog waste. This is a summary, not legal advice, so check the official text for the exact wording.
Dog Owners Must Remove Their Dog’s Waste
Under Section 4.01.002, a dog owner (or anyone in possession of the dog) commits an offense if they knowingly allow, or by insufficient control allow, the dog to defecate on private or public property and then fail to remove and dispose of the waste.
Other People’s Property and Public Places
The ordinance also prohibits an animal from defecating on private property other than its owner’s, or on public property, unless the owner immediately removes and properly disposes of the waste. On walks, that means carrying what you need to clean up on the spot. The ordinance addresses having the means to clean up in public places, not just the cleanup itself.
Tethered Dogs
If your dog is tethered, Section 4.04.004 lists failing to remove waste from the tethered area on a daily basis as a prohibited act.
Why It Matters Beyond the Law
Dog waste can carry bacteria and parasites that linger in soil, and it burns grass rather than feeding it. We covered that in why dog poop isn’t natural fertilizer. Between the health side and the rules, leaving it isn’t a great plan.
An Easy Way to Stay on Top of It
If keeping up with the backyard is the hard part, that’s what we’re for. Holy Crap offers weekly, bi-weekly, and one-time poop scooping in South Lubbock, Tech Terrace, Monterey and Vintage Township, and Wolfforth. Your first cleaning is free with recurring service. Get a free quote or call (806) 470-5169.
