Officials update progress on Illegal Dumping

City officials today gathered at 1300 Killough Blvd, one of 62 chronic dumping sites in Dallas, to announce the progress made in the fight against illegal dumping. Since December 1, 2015, 13 arrests have been made and in District 8 alone, calls reporting illegal dumping to 311 jumped 108-percent compared to the same time period last year.

“The City of Dallas has a problem with illegal dumping. People have been using our city streets, empty lots, wooded areas and citizens’ private property as dumping sites,” Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Erik Wilson said at today’s press conference. “Illegal dumping affects quality of life, property values, contributes to blight and hurts the perception of our city. The community can and is coming together to address a very serious issue.”

Consequences for illegally dumping in Dallas can range from a possible 180 days in jail to two years in a state jail facility, plus fines. City officials want to impress upon citizens that illegal dumping is not a minor offense.

Several local organizations are stepping up to assist in the push to clean up Dallas. Crime Stoppers has agreed to take tips and offer rewards up to $1,500 for information that leads to the arrest of someone illegally dumping.

“The sole purpose of the North Texas Crime Commission (NTCC) is to support law enforcement and the community,” said NTCC Director Jim Hughes. “Our concern is to help address this issue through Crime Stoppers and Dallas Animal Services (DAS).”

The SPCA of Texas will be offering rewards up to $2,500 for any information that leads to an animal cruelty arrest and conviction during the next three months. This reward is made possible through generous funding by the Murrell Foundation.

“There is a well-documented link between animal cruelty and human violence,” said SPCA of Texas President James Bias. “Helping the Dallas Police Department bring these individuals to justice will help stop the cycle of abuse.”

The City’s DallasPETS campaign has reached thousands of citizens in an educational push to teach how to properly dispose of deceased pets. If a pet has died either call a veterinarian or call 311 to arrange for Sanitation Services to provide curbside pick-up. If animal abuse or neglect is suspected call 911 immediately. Every year the City of Dallas also sees Christmas trees dumped around the city. There are details on where residents can legally drop trees off to be recycled here.

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