Seattle Apartments Resort to DNA Testing to Identify Dog Poop Suspects

Leave it to Seattle to take forensic testing to a whole new, and probably unnecessary, level.

According to the Seattle PI newspaper,  many Seattle residents are becoming frustrated with increasing amounts of dog poop being left in public areas, especially  at apartment complexes.

Some 26 apartment complexes and other residential rental units are now employing the services of a company called Bio Pet Vet Lab. This company provides DNA testing services for dogs and animals living in these facilities. The purpose of the DNA testing? To find out which owners are not picking up their doggies "deposits" on sidewalks, stairs - even around pool areas!

Tenants are required, as part of their rental agreements, to pay a one-time $29.95 for DNA testing for their animal.  Apartment managers are able to compare testing of poop found left lying around with that of the animals living in their complex.

Once it's determined that a certain dog or dogs are not having their "gifts" picked up, the owner gets fined.  One apartment manager says one of his tenants was fined "five times" in one week.  With offenses ranged from $50 to $500 for multiple piles, he says it gets their attention.

According to animal control and city sources, the Seattle metro area is home to at least 811,000 dogs. Seattle has more dogs than children.  This DNA  testing program has been widely used in other major cities, but took a while to catch on in Seattle.

Authorities and apartment owners don't want to do it, but they say "lazy people" have made it so bad with leaving dog and other animal droppings lying around, it's created a health hazard and they had no choice.