London suburb to use DNA to curb dogs

LONDON, April 28 (UPI) -- Forensic testing of unscooped dog feces, to identify offending dogs and to fine their owners, will be tested in an east London suburb.

The Borough of Barking -- yes, Barking -- and Dagenham spends 2.3 million pounds ($3.52 million) annually on dog-related issues, including the cost of cleaning up after dogs, despite laws demanding that dog owners handle the responsibility.

"The vast majority of dog owners in Barking and Dagenham are socially responsible but unfortunately a selfish few think it's okay 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 getting tough on dog muck to make a cleaner, healthier and better borough," said Borough Council leader Darren Rodwell.

A meeting Tuesday, involving Britain's Kennel Club, the Keep Britain Tidy campaign and Streekleen, maker of a DNA dog testing program, will convene to discuss the borough's planned use of Steetkleen's "PooPrints," in which a dog's DNA can be matched with that found in its found fecal matter, resulting in a fine of up to 80 pounds ($122) to the dog's owner.

Obtaining the dog's DNA can be accomplished by swabbing its mouth, and the action will be added to the requirement, in 2016, that all dogs in the borough be embedded with microchips.