A number of places , including New York City , have laws telling pet owners to clean up after their pets after the pet has pooped on a sidewalk or any public place , on a floor , wall , stairway or roof of any public or private premises used in common by the public , or on a fence , wall or stairway of a building abutting on a public . a ) A person who owns , possesses or controls a dog , cat or other animal shall not permit the animal to commit a nuisance on a sidewalk of any public place , on a floor , wall , stairway or roof of any public or private premises used in common by the public , or on a fence , wall or stairway of a building abutting on a public .