Fines Up to $250 in New Jersey Residential Complex
"Community Order" vs. "Excessive Surveillance" Debate
A luxury residential complex in New Jersey, United States, has attracted attention by introducing a DNA tracking system to address the issue of pet dog waste. While the measure is being praised as an effort to maintain hygiene in shared spaces and uphold community order, it has also sparked controversy, with some residents criticizing it as an invasion of privacy and excessive regulation.
According to the New York Post on January 14 (local time), the Hudson Harbor condominium complex in Edgewater, New Jersey, operates a system that analyzes the DNA of pet waste left in common areas to identify the owner. This high-end complex, which offers views of the Hudson River, features studio apartments priced at around $470,000 (approximately 60 million won).
Mandatory DNA Registration... Fines Up to 370,000 Won for Uncollected Waste
The core of the system is mandatory DNA registration. Pet owners living in the complex must pay $200 (about 290,000 won) upon moving in to have their dog's oral DNA collected and registered in a database.
If uncollected waste is found in shared spaces, the management office collects the sample and sends it to "PooPrints," a pet DNA analysis company based in Tennessee, for testing. If the DNA comparison confirms the owner, a fine of $250 (about 370,000 won) is imposed on the responsible pet owner.
This system was introduced in 2022 when Hudson Harbor began allowing residents to live with pets. The management office explained that it was an unavoidable choice to reduce recurring complaints about pet waste and disputes over responsibility among residents.
Debate Continues: "Strengthening Order" vs. "Excessive Surveillance"
However, some residents argue that the system is overly strict. Angelina Budiya (46), a resident who owns a Shih Tzu, told the New York Post, "It's sometimes difficult to find waste in dark or unlit areas," adding, "It's burdensome to be fined just because I couldn't always collect it perfectly." She expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, "There are already so many rules in this building, and now it feels like we have a 'waste police.'"
On the other hand, there is also strong support for the measure. Residents who have experienced inconvenience due to others repeatedly neglecting to clean up after their pets believe that strong enforcement was necessary. Eliana Marques, who owns a Yorkipoo, said, "There were too many instances where people didn't clean up after their dogs," and welcomed the policy if it solves the problem. Tony Spinella (65), who owns an Argentine Dogo, also commented, "We could tell that the same dog was causing repeated issues," and evaluated the system as effective in preventing recurrence.
The system is also reported to have reduced baseless accusations and conflicts among residents. The management office stated, "The situation where residents suspected each other without confirmation has significantly decreased."
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