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Pet owners sometimes must go out of their way to speak up for their pets. However, one RVer recently found himself in a difficult position when a campground made an unusual request.
The owner battled with the campground’s management to defend his right to privacy. However, the battle didn’t quite turn out how the RVer had planned.
So what was the request, and what was the result of the RVer’s refusal? Let’s dive in and see!
Campground Requires Residents to Provide DNA Testing For Their Dogs
While we appreciate rules, some parks can go overboard and get excessive. You can tell a lot about a campground or RV park by looking at their list of rules.
Turns out, Ivy Acres RV Park in Greenville, S.C., has a rather lengthy and strict policy regarding pets.
The park not only requires pets to be spayed, vaccinated, and quiet, but they take it a step further. Guests must register their dogs with Poo Prints, a DNA dog waste company.
The company stores DNA samples from pets and can help property owners identify who isn’t cleaning up after their pets.
This type of program isn’t anything new. It’s often used in apartment complexes and other communities with many pet owners. It’s highly effective at identifying pets and can help management issue fines or consequences to pet owners.
While the program is highly effective, not everyone agrees with it.
RVer Gets Evicted for Refusing the Dog DNA Testing
Some individuals, including this particular RVer, feel that subjecting pets to DNA testing violates their right to privacy.
They typically challenge the authority requesting DNA testing and refuse to test their pets. That’s exactly what this RVer did and why he received an eviction notice from the property owner.
The park’s management reached out to the RVer to let him know they had yet to receive a cheek swab sample for his pet. The owner informed the establishment that he disagreed with the policy and wouldn’t do it.
The next day he received the eviction notice giving him 30 days to vacate the spot he had occupied for a year and a half.
Evicted RVer Turns to Facebook for Advice
When the RVer received the eviction notice, he did what far too many people do and turned to Facebook for advice. As you might expect, there were plenty of opinions on the situation and how the RVer should respond.
If you want to find every want-to-be legal expert, ask a legal question in a Facebook group with thousands of active users. After more than 850 comments, a moderator turned off comments on the post.
Comments like “Save yourself a headache and move” and “Are you sure this is the hill you want to die on?” were relatively common.
There were even some offering him free legal advice. However, it’s easy for others to offer advice when they’re behind a keyboard and not involved in the situation.
Keep in Mind: RV Facebook groups can have helpful members. But Are RV Facebook Groups Doing You More Harm Than Good?
Turns Out the RV Park Can Legally Evict For DNA Test Refusal
The RVer came back later and provided an update on the situation. He cited South Carolina Section 27-47-120, which highlights tenancies.
These laws are in place to protect the tenant and the landlord from a messy legal situation. However, as the RVer discovered, RV parks are exempt from the policies.
The RV park was legally allowed to evict the RVer due to his refusal of the DNA testing for his pet.
Aside from subjecting his pet to DNA testing, there was nothing the individual could say or do that would change the situation for him. He had no legal case and would likely struggle to find a willing lawyer.
Facebook Audience Is Morally Torn
As you can expect, this was a hot topic for many in the RV community, especially pet owners.
One side of the argument agreed with the RVer and encouraged him to “have a spine” and stand up for his beliefs. They agreed that it was a gross invasion of privacy for him and his pet.
Many also felt that this was just another attack on pet owners. RV parks and campgrounds often have strict rules around specific breed restrictions. The fear is that this will increase the target of specific dog breeds in some parks.
On the other hand, many individuals sided with the RV park, including some pet owners.
They’re tired of dealing with lazy and irresponsible pet owners not picking up after their pets and causing messes in campgrounds. Pet owners don’t want the few bad apples to ruin it for the rest of the bunch.
Should You DNA Test Your Dog Upon an RV Parks Request?
If you find yourself staying in an RV park that requires you to DNA test your dog, it’s entirely up to you. If you feel it is a privacy violation for you or your pet, that’s your right.
However, you’ll likely need to find another place to stay.
Many RVers find it’s not worth the battle and will subject their dog to the testing, especially if the RV park is paying for it. If they clean up after their pet, they know they have nothing to worry about.
Pro Tip: Successfully camp with your dogs with our Insider Tips for Camping With Your Furry Friends!
How Do You DNA Test a Dog?
The process for DNA testing a dog is incredibly quick and easy.
Just like many human DNA testing samples, all it requires is a swab of the inside of the pet’s cheek. The entire process takes a matter of seconds, and the dog experiences absolutely no discomfort.
If you give them a treat when you finish the process, they’ll likely move on and be ready to play or whatever adventure you have planned next.
Would You Provide Your Dog’s DNA?
So what are your thoughts? Would you subject your pet to a DNA test if the campground requested it? This RV owner stood up for his beliefs, which ultimately cost him. Whether he’s making a mountain out of a molehill depends on which side of the debate you’re on.
However, both sides can agree that the RVer created a pretty intense situation by refusing the test.
Nobody wants to step on those landmines (they may not explode but they sure can be messy). Some people that have really small dogs think its ok to NOT clean up after their dog. Why? Because the poop is so small nobody would even notice, wrong! I agree with the rv park people, getting a DNA sample can prove your dog is not the one leaving messes. So it can work to your advantage. Unless you are the one that is not picking up after your dog! Maybe the person that got booted out of the rv park is the same person that won’t pick up after their dog? And that’s why they wouldn’t allow the DNA sample. If I had a dog, I would glady allow a DNA sample because it also shows responsibility.