DESPITE PROVIDING FREE CLEAN-UP BAGS FOR DOG OWNERS, CARMEL BEACH IS EXPERIENCING A DOG-WASTE LITTER PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE FREE BAGS ARE BEING USED, BUT THEN DISCARDED IN THE BUSHES OR SIMPLY LEFT ON THE BEACH, WHICH END UP IN THE SURF. THE CARMEL CITY COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING CHANGING THE COLOR OF THE “MUTT MITT” CLEAN-UP BAGS TO HOT PINK TO GIVE MORE VISIBILITY TO THE DROPPED BAGS AND HOPEFULLY ENCOURAGE DOG OWNERS TO THROW THE BAGS AWAY IN APPROPRIATE TRASH RECEPTACLES.