PENSACOLA, Fla. August 19 2023 A Pensacola apartment complex is cracking down on dog waste, saying it’s creating a stinky situation.

Starting in September, dog owners who live at Cordova Regency will be required to submit their dog’s DNA.

Owners who don’t comply, and clean up, could get evicted.

The program is called “PooPrints.”

WEAR News spoke to some pet owners who say the idea is is extreme. Others say it’s about time.

“Pick up after your dog. Be respectful,” Tim Parkhill, dog owner said.

There was no shortage of dogs or opinions at the Pensacola dog park over Tennessee-based company “PooPrints,” which now has a paw print in Pensacola.

Cordova Regency is just one of 50 Northwest Florida apartments using it to identify and crack down on owners who refuse to clean up after their pup.

Starting Sept. 18, every dog owner at Cordova Regency must register their dog’s DNA with a cheek swab at the office.

Any dog poop found on the property will be submitted for analysis. It’ll be compared to the cheek swab samples on file. The pet owner who did not pick up could be fined up to $500.

If the fine isn’t paid, the doggy and dog owner could be evicted.

And if you don’t register your pet’s DNA, you could face a $300 fine and risk termination of your rental agreement.

Some dog owners say it’s creating a big stink over a small problem. Others are all for the idea, to keep pets and people safe.

Tim Parkhill says picking up after your pet is common sense, and common courtesy.

“When I go outside my house and I forget a bag, I actually panic,” Parkhill said. “I’ll ask for a bag, knock on someone’s door.”

Parkhill says he took part in the program in New Jersey, years ago.

“I moved into an apartment complex and you had to submit the dog’s DNA, and then there’s dog poop everywhere,” Parkhill said. “For me it’s not extreme.”

The company has over 1 million dogs in its database. They say their mission is to promote responsible pet ownership and protect the environment.

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