Cork County Council is teaming up with a village to host a family fun day aimed at keeping footpaths free from dog fouling.

Some may say it’s barking mad, but dog owners in Co Cork could become the first in the country to be fined for not clearing up their pet’s poo if a new DNA database is introduced by the local authority.

Waterford Council is to commence a ‘softly-softly’ approach in conjunction with enforcement measures in a bid to eradicate dog fouling across the city and county.