That's some expensive poop: Hike in fines for animal-related violations on the horizon

A Flickr photo.

"My poop? Not my poop."

Your dog's poop could cost you a lot more come September -- if you don't pick it up, that is.

The Denver City Council last night passed a bill that allows the city's Department of Environmental Health to set fees and fines related to animal control and care. And the department plans to use its new authority to increase most of them.

The bill also removes animal-related violations from the court system, which will free up county court judges and also ensure that you won't end up with an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court for your off-leash dog ticket. Instead, fines will be handled through the Department for Environmental Health.

Speaking of fines, here's a taste of what it will cost to unhitch that doggie collar and disregard the law if all proceeds smoothly and the department gets the new fees and fines in place for the fall, as reported by YourHub.com:

Another Flickr photo.

Whatcha gonna do when he comes for you?

Off-leash dog violation
Currently, a first violation costs $50 plus $30 in court fees. A second violation costs $75 plus $30 in court fees. Fines for subsequent violations are up to a judge. Under the new rules, a first violation would cost $80. A second violation would cost $150. Subsequent violations would cost $300.

Failure to pick up pet waste violation
Currently, a first violation costs $50 plus $30 in court fees. Fines for subsequent violations are up to a judge. Under the new rules, a first violation would cost $150. A second violation would cost $250. Subsequent violations would cost $500.

Barking dog violation
Currently, a first violation costs $100 plus $30 in court fees. Fines for subsequent violations are up to a judge. Under the new rules, a first violation would cost $125. A second violation would cost $200. Subsequent violations would cost $300.

Cost to adopt a dog
Currently, it costs $109.50 to adopt a dog, regardless of its age. Under the new rules, it would cost $150 to adopt a puppy under five months old. Adopting an adult dog would cost $130. Adopting a senior dog over six years old would cost $95, to encourage adoption.

Cost to adopt a cat
Currently, it costs $71.50 to adopt a cat, regardless of its age. Under the new rules, it would cost $95 to adopt a kitten under five months old. Adopting an adult cat would cost $87. Adopting a senior cat over six years old would cost $60, to encourage adoption.