People who walk their dogs off of a leash or forget to pick up after them in Baltimore will now receive $1,000 fines. While this will no doubt decrease the amount of violators in the city, it’s a very harsh punishment that some could argue is even a bit cruel to dog owners.

The increased fine equates dog walking violations to those of dog fighting and animal abuse. It’s tough to justify such an increase, especially in a time when people are pinching pennies during a rough economy.The new law wasn’t voted on by the people, and there was little to no press about the law before violators started getting fined.

To charge a fine like this to average people will hurt their finances and make it so they can’t afford basic necessities. The fine is a month or two of rent for a lot of people, so charging this much for such a minor offense is ridiculous.

It’s important to keep your dog on a leash when you take it for a walk. It keeps everyone (including your dog) safer, but it’s not a major crime. Picking up after your dog is also important, but the results of the minor infraction don’t have any real effect on society. While walking your dog without a leash can result in your dog biting someone and getting in a fight with another dog, what does not picking up after your pet do?

To charge $1,000 for not picking up after your pet doesn’t make any sense. This just looks like a city’s way to try and gain extra income, but they’re doing it wrong. To take away so much money from pet owners for minor offenses is a terrible way for a city to make money.

The law went into effect on April 1, and citizens who have a problem with it are told to notify their city council members. People who receive the gigantic fine can appeal it in the Environmental Court.