Politics & Government

Salem City Councilor: Don't Defecate On Common

Christine Madore says the most recent complaint from a constituent is the most bizarre email she has received as an elected official.

The Salem Common Neighborhood Association provides a box stocked with dog waste bags close to the playground.
The Salem Common Neighborhood Association provides a box stocked with dog waste bags close to the playground. (Patch File Photo)

SALEM, MA — Ward Two City Councilor Christine Madore had to take to Facebook Tuesday to make a request that was hopefully obvious to most Salem residents: Pick up after your pets and your kids when they defecate on Salem Common, please. The request, which Madore called the "most bizarre email" she has received as an elected official, came after a resident complained about two separate incidents of kids "pooping in the park."

"I wasn’t sure who to contact about this or if anything at all can be done, but since Saturday at the playground on the Common we have seen two incidents of kids pooping in the park," the constituent wrote. "Both times their parents were present and just didn’t do anything. I get that things happen with little ones, but to just leave it is wrong and unsanitary for everyone. Is there something the city can do?"

Madore said the "see something, say something" mantra applies to pooping in the park and told Facebook followers to call the Salem Police Department at 978-744-1212 if they witness a similar incident.

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"Defecating publicly on the Common is not okay and illegal, no matter if you’re 2 or 4 legged, 3 or 30 years old," she said. "Sorry to have to post but this definitely takes the prize of Most Bizarre Email I’ve ever received as your ward councilor."


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