Anchorage Resident Calls Out Dog Owners on Public Trails

Letter writer urges bikers with dogs to clean up after their pets on shared-use paths.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A letter to the editor published on adn.com criticizes dog owners who let their pets defecate on public trails without cleaning up after them. The writer, Jim Thiele from Anchorage, says he has witnessed bikers racing ahead while their dogs leave "monstrous piles of slimy poo" on the trail, and argues that all dog owners should be responsible for picking up after their pets, even if the mess isn't from their own dog.

Why it matters

This letter highlights an ongoing issue of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets on public trails, which can create unsanitary conditions and frustrate other trail users. It speaks to the need for better education and enforcement around pet waste removal to maintain the cleanliness and accessibility of shared outdoor spaces.

The details

In the letter, Thiele describes an incident where he witnessed a bicyclist racing ahead while their dog left a large pile of feces on the trail. Thiele argues that dog owners need to be more responsible and stop to pick up any dog waste they encounter, even if it's not from their own pet. He suggests it should be a rule that all dog-accompanying bikers must carry bags to clean up along the way.

  • The letter was published on February 22, 2026.

The players

Jim Thiele

An Anchorage resident who wrote the letter to the editor.

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What they’re saying

“If all dog-accompanied bikers did this, the trail might look a bit less like a septic minefield.”

— Jim Thiele, Anchorage resident (adn.com)

The takeaway

This letter highlights an ongoing issue of irresponsible dog ownership on public trails, and calls for better education and enforcement around pet waste removal to maintain the cleanliness and accessibility of shared outdoor spaces.