FORT WAYNE Ind. (WOWO): On Monday, the Allen County Department of Health passed an ordinance that would issue harsher penalties for public health hazards. The rules set tougher penalties for home owners who have been notified of health hazards or nuisances on their properties, but have failed to fix the situation.

Public health officials say the new laws may held clean up properties and deal with Allen County trash issues, especially outside Fort Wayne city limits.

According to the Journal Gazette, the new rules will help clean up more dangerous problems such as abandoned meth labs and un-maintained swimming pools. Dave Fiess, director of Vector Control and Environmental Services said on Monday, un-maintained pools breed mosquitoes and excessive trash attracts rodents, such as rats.