Sometimes I feel like
A clump of dog-doo
Laying on the sidewalk
That only gets stepped on
And is considered
Nothing but a
Nuisance.
A little ditty I wrote way back in high school, this simple poem expressed my feelings of an awkward youthful age. It also expresses what is universally deemed a problem – dog poop in residential areas. Quite shockingly to many, some apartment complexes in the Northeast have decided to take a new approach to the age-old problem. They’re employing a bit of scientific sleuthing to scout down the perpetrators of this nuisance.
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| Debbie Violette Photo credits: AP |
And no, they’re not after dogs that go poop. Though what they are after, are the dog’s humans who neglect to clean up after their pooches. It is basic common courtesy, albeit difficult to enforce; if your dog drops a load on common or private property, you immediately scoop it up and dispose of it properly. But not everyone adheres to this policy, and the trail they leave can be annoying to anyone, especially those who don’t have dogs themselves.
Apartment complexes in NH have now begun using DNA testing to sort out those who are not being so nice to their neighbors. With these tests so easily available and affordable, it seems a logical solution. When Debbie Violette, apartment complex manager of the Timberwood Commons in Lebanon, NH, requested DNA tests of all resident dogs, surprisingly, she was not met with resistance. She stated that so far, at least, people have been positive about accommodating this new detail.
Granted, it’s a new idea, and as with all new things only time will tell if it is a successful solution to an age-old problem. Some people view this as too intrusive, restrictive, or forced. But hey – if you’re not guilty of leaving your dog’s droppings around for others to deal with, why would you worry? I say, do the test, prove your innocence.
At a time when so many are punished for the wrongdoings of a few, here’s a chance to single out the bad apples. Dog owners everywhere should be for this idea. Why should the good, respectful ones take the suspicious hesitation – if not outright grief – that should be reserved for the few who aren’t?
I think McGruff would love this idea of taking a bite out of crime!
source: The Associated Press
I wouldn’t really agree… I wouldn’t live somewhere that did this (and thats not because I’m afraid to get caught not cleaning up after my dogs). The apartments may be allowing residents to have dogs, but they certainly don’t sound very dog friendly to me.
And, who picks up the bill if the poop belongs to a dog not on the DNA file- some random dog walking by, a stray, or a dog visiting someone? Seems like a lot of expense.
Why not video cameras in the common potty areas? Works better (you can see who the human is, instead of DNA testing for who the dog is), and is much, much cheaper in the long run.
What they need is a good app for that! Have a great weekend!
I found this interesting. I can certainly see why some might feel it’s their only recourse to catch the poopy scofflaws, but I’m not sure it would work. For starters, I’m guessing those who did not clean up their dog’s poop would decline the test. They can’t force them, and hence, can only prove innocence not guilt. I do, however, hate seeing and/or stepping in poop!!
Hi there,
The lady who set up the DNA tests for dogs in Lebanon, New Hampshire was interviewed on Radio 5 Live. A BBC radio station and the same radio station, that I, shy and humble I, was interviewed on. Sorry blatant plug over. The lady said that most folks who had dogs at the apartment were willing to have their dog’s DNA submitted.
Now, I’m responsible and most people I know over here in England, are responsible and pick up after their dogs. At the parks here, they even have special bins to dispose of any doggy poo.
Anyhow, what about folks with cats who let their cats run wild and crap in my garden? Seems rather unfair that people with cats get away with it.
Have a peaceful weekend.
With respect, Gary 🙂
Hi Kim; It is law here in Canada that you must pick up after your pooch or face a severe fine. Even with that there are those who ignore it and just let their animal do what comes naturally. I have even picked up others’ after picking my dogs. Sigh! I feel an easy pun coming on. Anyway, I think the DNA might be an answer and I would be willing if it were required where we are. After all, it’s only a small thing so that we can have our lovely pets.
Peace.
We ALWAYS pick up our dog’s poop! The only times we have missed is if my husband takes Dakota in the dark (my husband’s vision isn’t good in the light so you can imagine how it is in the dark) As soon as it is light though he is out picking up the poop that he missed!
What we hate are those who see where we take Dakota to do his business and they start taking their dogs to the same place and DO NOT pick up their poop. I can’t begin to tell you how many times we have picked up the poop of other doggies!
What the heck, if it’s poop and it’s there, it needs TO BE PICKED UP!
I like this solution. If it were my apartment complex, submitting your dog’s DNA would be part of the application process. If you’re going to pick up, what’s the harm in submitting the DNA?
We were in a park in California recently and a sign stated that if you were caught walking your dog and did not have a device for picking up after them with you – you’d be fined. It was the first time I’d seen that, but we must do something to enforce the poop laws.
I can’t imagine my Mum not picking up after me…..
We saw a sign on a tree in our area recently with a photo of a man not picking up after his Dog, the house owners had video recorded it as they were fed up of poop on their lawn. It was clear who it was.
It takes mere seconds and it’s easy to be prepared, we have a little pouch on my lead with a roll of bags in, it’s just courtesy to others and part of owning a Dog in our view to clean up.
Hope you’re having a fun day,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
I don’t have a problem with this idea. I don’t know if cameras are less expensive or not, but they are a good idea also. Some people aren’t going to cooperate no matter what…maybe they should have to do community service pooper scooping.
Very interesting!
I think that this is a very interesting idea… I like it.. Nothing is worse than someone who doesn’t clean up after their dog. Growing up, I had a neighbor who never did, and it was aweful. When I had my dog, I always did. One time she went “unexpected” and I didn’t have anything with me. I rang a random person’s doorbell to ask for paper towel to clean it up…. Since it was outside their house, they were more than happy to share…
Something definitely does need to be done – DNA, cameras, I totally agree with Peggy Frezon here, some folks unfortunately will never learn, so community service of having them pick up what other dogs leave behind could be another solution. Very interesting & thought-provoking post!
I live across the street from a park and always amazed at how many people DO pick up! It only take a couple, though, doesn’t it?
Had a man walking a German Shepherd leave some good sized calling cards recently. The next day, he came through again as I was leaving for the bus. “Hey!” I yelled. “You’re supposed to pick up after your dog, you know.” “Mind your own business!” he tells me. “The neighborhood is my business,” I said. “If you’re not going to pick up, don’t come back here. I know your face and I know your dog — next time, I’ll call the police.”
He didn’t come back. But there are plenty of parks in Mpls, so I’m sure he just went a couple blocks further…
Pearl