At some point, everyone has stepped in it. While looking for something to wipe the bottom of their shoe, they mutter a curse for the jerk that let his or her pooch poop on a sidewalk but was too lazy to clean it up. Small wonder then that most voters are cheering a proposed new law to raise the fine from $100 to $250.
But this is not a good idea. It is not the nation's highest. The maximum in Hawaii is $500. We doubt many New York dog owners would be shook by a $100 ticket. For some, that amount is difficult, but $250 would be devastating. It could mean late rent or not having enough for groceries.
Setting fines should not be taken lightly. The $250 fine appears extreme and is likely to do little to solve a real problem.
