Thomas Bridge 27 April 2015

Barking mad! Council uses DNA testing to tackle dog poo

Pet owners who fail to pick up their dog’s poo could soon be hounded down by a town hall through DNA testing.

Barking and Dagenham is poised to become the first authority in the UK to deploy such a measure when it unveils the solution at a meeting tomorrow.

A dog’s DNA can be collected through a painless cheek swab, which is sent to a laboratory and stored in the local registry.

If an owner doesn’t pick up their pooch’s droppings, a test taken from the faeces will allow it to be traced back to the dog’s home with 99.9% accuracy.

However it is yet to be established how pet owners in the district could be encouraged to have their dog’s DNA registered with international biotech company PooPrints UK.

Council leader, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: ‘We are the first council in the country to get really tough on dog mess and pet owners who do not act in a socially responsible way. The vast majority of dog owners in Barking and Dagenham are socially responsible but unfortunately a selfish few think it’s ok to not clean up after their pet.

‘Dog mess not only spoils our streets - it’s also a health hazard and especially to young children. It’s why we are using this innovative approach in making a cleaner, healthier and better Barking and Dagenham.’

Gary Downie, managing director of Streetkleen – licence holders for PooPrints DNA testing - said: ‘I believe the combination of DNA testing and enforcement could be the most effective means of ensuring owners are held accountable for their dog's actions. In the US, we have experienced reductions in dog fouling by as much as 90% after introducing the programme.

‘For the vast majority of responsible dog owners this should pose no problem at all. In fact, we believe that the minimal cost involved in the DNA testing will pose value for money when the selfish minority of dog owners are brought to task and public spaces in Barking and Dagenham become cleaner, greener and more pleasant environments for everyone.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner