Poop Patrollers Get Serious! - Page 1

If you don't clean up after your pet, you could be in big trouble! 

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/video/dna-detectives-busting-fidos-poo-061740057.html

I always find it funny when home owners associations try to employ this tactic and I always try to post comments on the articles referencing such. 

First, if possible dog owners should try their very best to bring in a near identical dog in to get their DNA swabbed on test day at the home owners associations designated test site.  Most people who make rules like this don't know much about dogs, or science for that matter, so the chances of them being able to properly identify a similar looking dog later after the test, let alone breed, are pretty slim.  Its a cheek swab, so no vet techs or anyone with knowledge takes the sample, just a lackey from the homeowners association.

Second, if I lived in such a building and there were no cameras, I would "bring in" poop from elsewhere on a regular basis.  The frustration level of those that implemented such a policy would skyrocket when the DNA sampling ends up not working for a sizable portion of the abandoned poop. Not to mention, just lacing the dogs teeth and gums with lard right before the test.

Third, I looked at the companies that are doing this type DNA sampling and basically they are making a repository of dog DNA for their own profit, that is not exclusive to poop identification.  What I mean specifically is that the DNA sampling for poop identification is a "front" for the real ways this company makes money off the DNA samples.  Its genius actually, the company preys on the prejudices of non-dog owners, who then force dog owners to hand over DNA unwillingly to a outside private company, that wouldn't be able to get the DNA samples otherwise.  They then end up with a large database of samples that the "customers" essentially paid the company to collect and store for "other profitable" uses.

If most dog owners were responsible and cleaned up after their dogs this wouldn't be an issue.  Since, I often have to take my fog through apartment complexes and neighborhoods I see large amounts of dog waste that people do not clean.  It is unsanitary, and can spread worms and other pathogens to other dogs.    Why should non dog owners have to deal with the waste, mess and smell left by others peoples dogs?

Why anyone would even think of "bringing in" poop from other dogs???  Or other scheming and conniving plans to avoid being held responsible for picking up after their dog.   I think it would be a whole lot easier to just pick up after your dog.   Clearly, if you can't do that then buy a house in the country and keep your dogs on your own property.  

If people were more responsible and considerate of others there would be no need for companies like this.   

Collecting DNA for "other profitable uses" , momos  ???

Like blackmail, you mean ?  What are you referring to ?


I'm with Slam, 100 %.

15 years ago, I live in an apartment complex that would charge me $50 extra a month if poop was found anywhere near the apartment I lived in because I happened to have a dog. I picked up after my dog EVERY time. After the second or third month of this, I began taking video of people bringing their dogs to do their business and walking away without cleaning up. After showing video of 16 different owners in one month not picking up, they finally waived my monthly fine.

Dirty owners is an issue in densely populated areas, but DNA'ing seems not only expensive, but most likely will not fix the problem. I believe it would be much less expensive to hire a high school student to take video and offer him $10 for each different infraction. Adding and keeping stocked OOPS's stations will also help as no one wants to walk for blocks with a bag of shit. The last part of the equation is for neighbors to harass each person that walks away without cleaning up, maybe posting photos on a bulletin board (physical or electronic).

IMO, I will never live in a place that has a HMO......they are out of control.

 

@Slamdunc and Hundmutter, before I begin I agree that dog owners should be responsible, but SitasMom makes a valid point about there being a BETTER way to do this kind of observation.

Let me clarify further:

I have had dogs for decades and sometimes they get loose stools. You can have a bag etc, but you won’t be able to get it all. Will the designated “poop tester” swab whatever is left over and pass on the fine? What about bits that hang onto the grass etc? Do you need to walk around with a garden sprayer and poop bags to keep from being labeled guilty? Also how many companies are offering this DNA service? I can only find one and they are owned by BioPet Vet lab. From what I know of them they do a lot of genetic type R&D for livestock animals. They also have a big DNA registry. So are the people who are forced to use the PooPrints DNA service and other similar companies essentially giving away free genetic data for BioPet Vet Lab to profit from? Its one thing to protect the building from irresponsible owners who don’t pick up their dogs poop, its a whole different thing to turn over valuable DNA data for free to someone else that can potentially profit from it without real consent.  Under this kind of HOA process, consent is forced just like "clip wrap" agreements in software etc. I wonder if their is any legal recourse to prevent an HOA or building owner from forcing people to turn over their pets DNA to the corporation BioPet Vet lab?

Their websites:

http://www.biopetvetlab.com/index.php/research

http://www.dnaworldpetregistry.com/home.asp

Poopprints killed this webpage link below that explained their process and the companies that they work with, now they don't disclose that on the web anymore:

www.pooprints.com/.../pooprints-overview

People who buy into these kinds of services and force others to play along, do not realize how these kinds companies actually make money are just plain morons.  Hint, its not from poop identifications, thats their version of a "loss leader".

Also as I have said, what is to stop some one from trying to contaminate the sample at the source? I have done DNA sampling before to check for hereditary diseases etc and I’m pretty sure if you line the dogs gums with pork fat or lard just before the test, the sample swab taken at the mouth will be contaminated.

The reason I said "bring poop" in is to frustrate the actual policy of DNA testing, not its explicit purpose.

Sorry momosgarage you are still not being very informative about what these
other potentially valuable purposes might be ?  Maybe I am being thick,  a 'moron',
or maybe you just don't want to put ideas in peoples' heads on t'interweb ...
but try as I might, I just don't see the opportunities / objection !  If it is one research lab
or many, so they collect a whole lot of samples of dogs DNA maybe linked with
full name & address of owner and/or details of the dog itself (or maybe not);
apart from possibly including the details in some market research papers or
general experimental stuff about - I dunno - types of dog foods fed, or something,
I really do not see what could come back and bite me later if someone has my
dog's DNA.  [ I do have his sample on file somewhere with a now defunct insurance
company.  As far as I can tell it's never been used for anything.]  How about you stop
'hinting', and back up your claim ?

However.  All that you say about dogs with loose tums  and bits missed by the owner
who picks up  is true.  That is relevant whether DNA samples are taken or not;
various Local Authorities here in the UK have managed to cope with such 'extras',
whichever poop removal schemes they have employed  (giant hoover scooters;
 park or animal wardens following dog owners around and handing them bags,
or 'on the spot' fines, etc. )  This does not appear to have resulted in public uproar,
so I assume it is like many bits of 'policing' of legal issues - sometimes it works,
sometimes people get caught out, sometimes people may get unjustly charged and have
to fight an Appeal,  but sometimes they go on getting away with it.  I suspect whoever is
charged with gathering  - or independantly collects (yeeugch!) - samples under one of these
HOAs will probably have the sense not to get their panties in a wad about a skid-mark left
after an owner has clearly tried to clear up after their dog.   
 

Oohh too funny Mindhunt!!  That was GOOD!

  Did you mail him the video?