BROOMFIELD, Colo. — An apartment complex is using dog DNA to keep the property pet waste-free. If pet waste is found at the Retreat at Flatirons with a dog’s DNA, residents face a $100 fine.
“It’s kind of like a running joke with the family now, your dog poops a hundred dollar bill,” resident Mike Liddle said.
The policy doesn’t come as a surprise for this resident. It was a part of the lease he signed about a year go, but the $200 fine he received was a shocker.
“I’m not disputing they made this up,” Liddle said. “I think they found some DNA, but it’s nearly impossible to get every piece especially when the grass is so long and you have a small dog,” Liddle said of his teacup Chihuahua.
The apartment complex said it is pet friendly. When a resident moves in, dogs are required to do a basic cotton swab test and the DNA is entered into a database.
“A young girl that lives across from me, she’s stressed out every time she picks up her dog mess. She’s got a flashlight and I’m coming out with a brighter flashlight to help pick it up,” Liddle said.
“I think they have taken it too far. I think people mostly think it’s a good idea and I think it’s a great idea too, but they’ve taken it too far.”
The apartment complex said it has a lot of pet lovers and wants to keep the property as clean as possible. And one resident who didn’t want to be identified agreed.
“I think the policy is actually great. It keeps it clean and holds people responsible for your pets,” the resident said. “It’s difficult having a dog in an apartment building, but that’s a choice we make. So after you are fined once, hopefully you’ll learn your lesson and pick it up after.”
Many residents said they have noticed more apartment communities using the DNA dog testing to fine residents for not picking up after their pet.