Complex to crack down on dog poop with DNA tests

Just came across this article from the Associated Press (6/24/2011) and thought I would share it. Do any of you have this problem? If so, what do you doo about it? (sorry... :unsure: )

LEBANON, N.H. -- Here's the scoop: Some apartment complexes are using DNA testing on dog doo to find out who's not cleaning up after their pets.

The Timberwood Commons in Lebanon, N.H., opened this year and already has had problems with some residents who aren't cleaning up messes their dogs leave.

So manager Debbie Violette is going to use commercially available DNA sampling kits to check the DNA that dogs leave behind when they go.

"We've tried doing the warning letters. We've tried all sorts of things," she said Friday. "It's always a problem. It's just that the majority of people are responsible pet owners and there are a few who are not."

She said residents have been told they must submit samples from their dogs so DNA profiles can be put on file.

"I want people to know that we're serious about this," she said. More than 30 dogs call the 252-unit complex home.

Violette just received the kits from a Knoxville, Tenn., company called PooPrints, a subsidiary of BioPet Vet Lab. Jim Simpson, president of the lab, said about 20 properties in the country have been using the kits.

For testing samples, the company provides a feces collection kit. A small amount is put in a solution and mailed back to the lab. DNA is extracted from the feces. The lab then checks to see if it matches any of the profiles listed for the apartment complex.

"It's one of the coolest things I've ever done as a property manager," said Debbie Logan, who manages the Twin Ponds Development in Nashua, which has identified some problem pet owners through the tests.

Violette said that she hasn't decided what to do if she catches a pet owner not cleaning up after their dog but that they'll probably be fined. Language about the DNA testing will be included in a lease addendum addressing pet issues, she said.

So far, Violette said, she has gotten a positive response from dog owners.

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What about just taking a picture and giving a fine to the residents who fail to scoop?

A motion sensitive camera is cheaper than a DNA test- and much more humane to the poor employee who would be expected to handle the droppings to the extent of getting DNA. Eww!

Our complex fines residents $50 failing to scoop, but it seems that just this knowledge is keeping our grounds clean so far. Honestly, I don't want to be poking around in dog feces and the day that duty becomes part of my job is the day I start looking for a new career.

I like the camera idea, but you would need a lot of cameras! With any luck, the neighbors will not like the poop in their area and will find out who is doing this and report them. It amazes me when dog owners do not clean up after their dogs. It is blatant disrespect for others. Sorry smokers, but the same can be said for those who flick their butts on the ground after finishing their cigarettes. Want to REALLY piss me off? Throw a butt on a golf course where I go to get away from all the cement and hassles of the city.

I hate to create more paperwork, but if dog doo is a problem, maybe a clipboard with complaints would help. If the guy in 108 said the person in 111 doesn't pick up his dogs leavings, then the resident in 111 should receive a friendly warning, something like; "Just a reminder that as per the pet addendum in all XYZ Apartments leases, dog owners are required to pick up after their pet. Failure to do so will result in a $50 fine per occurrence. If you see another resident not picking up after their pet, please let us know. Thank you for your help in this matter." It is not accusing and should stop the problem if they think they are not getting away with it anymore. Of course, multiple infractions need to be addressed and that is where the clipboard helps keep track of complaints.

The other option is to have your grounds crew remove the dog doo daily. I know it is a nasty job, but dog doo is like every other form of litter, the more that is on the ground, the more likely people are to add to it. Keep it clean and most people will do the right thing. You rarely see someone drop litter on a freshly kept lawn, but walk outside in an area of high litter and people will drop a butt on the ground right infront of your face.
If the problem persist, then use the DNA test. Very funny article!