Barking mad? Doggie DNA to track rogue poo messes in London

A London borough - aptly named Barking and Dagenham - unveiled plans on Tuesday to crack down on irresponsible dog owners by checking their pet’s poo against a DNA database it will build up. The local authority is encouraging owners to enter their dogs in the database by taking them to the vet for a cheek swab, warning that the area’s 27 parks will be out of bounds for any animals that are not registered. DNA testing for dogs will also be made a condition for tenants in public housing in the area in east London.

We are the first council to get really tough on dog mess and pet owners who do not act in a socially responsible way

Darren Rodwell, Barking and Dagenham council spokesman

Rogue dog owners will get an $122 fine and the council is hoping to cut down on annual street cleaning bills. The initiative is a first in Britain, although similar schemes in the United States have been successful.

Odd News Dog poo