A STRICT rule enforced by the HOA will have residents DNA testing their dogs due to the influx of unpicked poop in the neighborhood.
Oak Meadows HOA in Brookfield, Connecticut, wants DNA samples from residents’ dogs so they can track who isn’t cleaning up after them.
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If residents don’t comply with the new DNA testing rules, they will be fined $25 per day, according to the report. Stamford Lawyer reported.
Aga Stepniak, a six-year resident who serves on the Brookfield Planning Commission, is concerned that the request is too far out of reach.
She agrees that residents should take care of their dogs, but thinks DNA testing is excessive.
“When people have a dog, they are responsible for it and should pick up its poop,” Stepniak told the Stamford Advocate.
“What I oppose is DNA testing on our dogs.
“This is a complete violation of our rights as unit owners.”
Residents are strongly against the new HOA rule – calling it an extreme disgrace.
“This is very extreme,” Stepniak continued.
“I pay my mortgage like everyone else does.
“And I have something to say. We are being treated like children.”
Another resident, Theresa Weber, said, “It’s absolutely a disgrace that they want to clean up after our dogs,” according to the Stamford Advocate.
However, HOA members are convinced this is the way to stay on top of things.
OUT OF CONTROL
The neighborhood has about 30 to 35 dogs, they claim the dog poop problem has gotten out of control and is being cleaned up daily by non-pet owners.
Alan Wunsch, property manager at the development, called this a prevalent problem.
“Volunteers, good Samaritans who live in the community, have been cleaning everything up,” Wunsch said.
“Weekly, they have a team that empties the dog waste and collects the trash.
“They will pick up dog poop if they see it.
How will the poop testing rule work/be enforced?
DNA Test Requirement:
- All dogs in the complex must undergo DNA testing.
- Dog owners should take their dogs to a designated cheek rubbing area by the end of July.
Purpose:
- The goal is to create a DNA database to trace fecal samples back to the dogs responsible and fine owners who don’t clean up.
Application:
- Fines will be imposed on owners who fail to comply with DNA testing ($25 per day).
- Fines will also be imposed on owners whose dog feces are found and traced back to them.
- The amounts of fines for crimes not related to cleaning have not yet been determined.
Costs:
- The cost of the DNA test will be covered by the homeowners association.
Exceptions and Compliance:
- All new dogs purchased after initial testing must also undergo DNA testing.
- Failure to comply with testing requirements will result in daily fines.
Opposition:
- Some residents believe the rule is overkill and violates their rights.
- Suggested alternatives include installing trail cameras, but this was deemed inappropriate by the HOA.
Justification:
- The HOA President states this measure is necessary due to ongoing issues with dog feces and lack of resolution of previous notices and emails.
- Currently, volunteers help clean up dog waste, indicating a persistent problem.
“Sometimes we have to open a separate work order to pick up dog poop.”
Richard Kalb, president of the Oak Meadows Association, said residents have been warned multiple times.
“People not cleaning up after their dogs has been an ongoing problem without resolution,” Kalb told the Stamford Advocate.
“We send out a lot of notices and emails and feel this is the simplest and easiest way to get things done.”
On the bright side, the tests will be paid for by the HOA.
The HOA will maintain a DNA database of all dogs and distribute fees to those that are not cleaning.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
