Our current dog waste signs omit the most significant words of Town Law, "Curb Your Dog."

Specifically, Town of North Hempstead Local Law No. 5, Chapter 14, Section 5 Committing a Nuisance Prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for a dog to defecate, urinate, or commit a nuisance on public property, except that portion of a public street lying between the curbline's in accordance with the requirements of Subdivision B, i.e. The owner or possessor of any dog shall immediately remove all feces deposited by said dog by placing such feces in a plastic bag which shall be sealed and deposited in a covered garbage receptacle.

In selected areas North Hempstead Animal Shelter and Control does an excellent job of posting Dog Regulation Signs.

Nassau County Dept. of Health Sanitarians also are conscientious in citing offenders where a significant amount of dog waste accumulates on a neighbor's property - a potential source of food for rodents, plus an aesthetic concern.

Our town requires residents (homeowners) to maintain a safe curbside grassy area where many of our kids play and walk barefooted, an area where cars let out passengers and trucks make deliveries.

Any dog owner of ordinary intelligence who fouls this grassy area (3 to 4-feet wide) need not guess or speculate as to the true meaning of the law.

Perhaps Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Fred L. Pollack, who have performed miracles in abating noise, can rectify this Curb Your Dog violation. A photo of any offender and data could be submitted to the town clerk for appropriate summons and fine.

(P.S. In New York City's Bryant Park, just behind the New York Public Library, a sign reads: "You are welcome to walk your dog - on a leash and not on the grass - if you clean up after it.")

Richard J. Singer