Guadalajara builds DNA bank to fine dog-owners who fail to clear up
Guadalajara builds DNA bank to fine dog-owners who fail to clear up
A TOWN hall in central Spain is building a DNA database of dogs in a bid to stamp out the problem of excrement on its pavements.,
The city of Guadalajara, in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, says the genetic samples taken from each dog on the register will allow them to match up owners with piles of faeces left behind.
It may also help in investigating cases of animal abuse and neglect.
At present, police can only fine owners if they are caught in the act of letting their dogs relieve themselves and then walk away without clearing up the deposit and, even though they carry out regular inspections, often in plain clothes, it is 'very difficult' to detect the culprits, officers say.
But with a DNA sample taken, analysed in a high-ranking laboratory and used to create a genetic map, owners can be fined up to €250 a time, plus the cost of tests to identify the animal, if their pets' 'business' matches.
All dog-owners, who have to be registered with the city hall anyway, will be called in to give a hair or saliva sample from their pets.
Campaigns will be run at the same time reminding owners of their rights and duties, how to care properly for their animals, and the fact that they should never be let off the lead in built-up areas – only in designated zones.
