Doggie Don’t, I got your DNA!
In Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, the city officials are creating a DNA database of local dogs. When dog droppings are found, the “data” will be used to match the dog to the owner (the real culprit).
Owners caught in the..er..act will face fines.
Authorities hope to create accountability and maintain clean streets. Currently the program is being administered as a six month trial and providing DNA samples is up to individual owners. (Aren’t those conscienceless enough to volunteer information probably innocent?) The city is, however, wisely considering making it compulsory.
More and more neighborhoods are becoming increasingly aggressive towards irresponsible dog owners. In the UK, some councils have begun to use undercover patrols to apprehend offenders in hot spots. Others try to provide a plentiful stash of free bags.
Is this a problem in your town? If so, what’s being done?
September 24th, 2008 at 1:23 am
I don’t really see how this will solve the problem. As you say, the conscientious owners are the only ones who will supply the DNA. The ones causing the problem will continue to be irresponsible. Forcing owners to give DNA of their dogs seems impossible given the state of the legal system today.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:59 am
i think sometimes the excitement over new technology trumps common sense
September 25th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
My town is a backwoods rural midwestern town. We have had dogs for over 15 years now and I have always been very aware of my dogs actions including their barking or pooing as I never wanted to offend anyone.
We walk regularly at our local park and over the past six months others have started takng their dogs to the park also. The problem is they do not pick up their dogs stools. I do not want this to come back on me as our small town knows I am the “dog lady”
Maybe I should talk to the town about putting up buckets and bags for owners before it gets out of hand. Sometimes folks just need some education.
I do not think the DNA would work as not everyone with a dog will get DNA’d and those folks who are irresponsible will probably continue to be irresponsible. Shame.
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September 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Hi. Yeah, it is annoying when people don’t pick up after their dogs. They sure don’t do it around here, especially in the winter. But I think law enforcement officers have more important things they should be worrying about than dog poop. In our area, we just have signs that say no dogs or fine for not picking up after dogs. Some parks provide bags, which I appreciate. I do wish there were more trash cans around. I think people would be more likely to pick up if they didn’t have to walk half a mile to a trash can.