As the days get longer, dog owners preparing to head out the door to exercise with their best friend are reminded to leash up and put a poop bag or two in their pocket.

"There鈥檚 no snow to hide any dog poop and even though no one may be watching, you still have to pick it up.  Picking up and properly disposing of your dog鈥檚 poop is your responsibility and is just doing the right thing in public areas we all share,鈥� said Regional District of Central Okanagan Communications Officer Bruce Smith.

鈥淒og feces can be a health hazard and it only takes a few dog owners not picking up in public places to negatively reflect on all dog owners.  As well, please don鈥檛 leave your bagged poop beside park trails or sidewalks or hanging in a bush.  That鈥檚 just doing half the job.  Please drop it in the nearest garbage can or take it home and properly dispose of it there.鈥�

Some parks and walkways offer 鈥榯ake a bag, leave a bag鈥� dispensers for dog owners. Dog owners are encouraged to keep an eye out for them, contribute bags to them if they can and if needed, take bags from them, then toss the bagged contents into the garbage.

Dog owners caught failing to pick up after their pet could face a fine of $150.

All dog owners in the Central Okanagan are reminded that they must have a 2016 license or they鈥檒l be subject to a fine of $300 under the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw.  There is Zero Tolerance for unlicensed dogs in the Central Okanagan.

Licenses can be purchased online at regionaldistrict.com/doglicense or at the Regional District office (1450 KLO Road); at the Dog Pound (890 Weddell Place); each municipal government office and at the 91大黄鸭 branch of the SPCA (3785 Casorso Road).

One of the benefits of licensing a dog is the My Dog Matter rewards program.  The card can be used for discounts and special services at more than 50 businesses listed on the mydogmatters.ca program website.  Another incentive is that dogs with a current license get a one-time, free ticket home, should they end up at the Dog Pound.

Owners are reminded that if their dog gets away they should contact the Dog Pound as quickly as possible as the Regional District is only required to hold a dog for up to 72 hours.

There鈥檚 plenty of information available about dog licensing and Responsible Dog Ownership in the Central Okanagan.  Check out regionaldistrict.com/dogs for information about the Regional Dog service and what to do if you lose or find a dog.