City Councilors Erin Murphy (at large) and Ed Flynn (South Boston, South End, Downtown, Chinatown) want city animal-control and parks officials to explain how they plan to curb out-of-control, unleashed, unlicensed and free defecating dogs in Boston.

In a request for a hearing on the matter, Murphy told fellow councilors yesterday that only about 10% of the dogs in Boston are licensed - which also requires proof of rabies vaccination. 

Flynn pointed to uncaring dog owners who let their pets off leash at Medal of Honor Park in South Boston - even though there's a dedicated dog park literally across the street. 

He recalled how a few years ago, a four-year-old girl was bit by an unleashed dog at the park, but added, "it's an issue across the city."