Proposed ‘dog poo’ DNA database to tackle fouling
Louth Councillor voices concern over growing problem
Louth County Council are being asked to trial a dog poo DNA database. Stock image.A Louth councillor has called on Louth County Council to examine DNA testing of dog fouling, as concerns grow about an increase in dog poo across the county.Speaking at the council’s monthly meeting, Cllr Maeve Yore asked whether the council would consider piloting a DNA‑based enforcement system similar to schemes already in place in parts of Europe.She said a “dog poo database” had first been proposed five years ago by Cllr Pio Smith, and questioned whether it was time for Louth to lead the way.“We do mandatory micro‑chipping — can we not include cheek‑swabs as well for DNA?” Cllr Yore asked.She highlighted that over 500 dog licences had been registered with Louth County Council in the last month alone and sought clarity on whether that figure represented a monthly or annual count.“If there is 500 registered in a month, we are going to have a big problem with dog poo,” she said.“Are we willing to look at DNA testing? We could lead local authorities in Ireland in this. They do it very successfully in Spain.”Responding, Director of Services David Hanratty said dog poo DNA schemes had been trialled abroad and, he believed, by “one or two councils” in Ireland.However, he said he would need to review the outcomes of those trials, and look at how effective they were in reducing fouling.“I would have to review the outcome of those trials — I don’t have them to hand — and look at how successful it was in addressing the problem,” he told councillors.Mr Hanratty confirmed that 530 dog licences were issued in January.Under the Litter Pollution Act, dog owners must clean up after their pets in public areas such as roads, footpaths, housing estates and parks. Failure to do so is an offence and can result in fines.Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
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