Canine DNA database to trace and fine owners of fouling dogs in Cork

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.

Ironically, council officials are looking at the feasibility of replicating a canine DNA database which is up and running in the aptly-named London borough of Barking and Dagenham.

The howl for a copycat scheme was formally made by Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin O’Keeffe, who found approval from those of different political pedigrees.

The Government has signalled its intention for a phased introduction of micro-chipping of all dogs in the next few years and Mr O’Keeffe said that, as part of this process, his local authority should take DNA mouth swab samples from our four-legged friends and add them to the database.

He said the DNA could then be used to track down and fine dog owners who failed to pooper-scoop faeces, which is “making life a misery in town centres”.

On foot, or should we say paw, of the request the council’s Environmental Special Purposes Committee (SPC) is now looking at ways to implement the proposal.

“I first heard about the London project on the radio and thought it was a good idea because dog fouling on our town streets has reached epidemic proportions,” said Mr O’Keeffe. “Dog owners are supposed to be responsible, but unfortunately a lot of them are not,.

“A swab sample can be taken from a dog’s mouth, put on the database and can later used to match the poo. We have to start somewhere to stop fouling and it would put fear into irresponsible dog owners.”

Mr O’Keeffe said he had spoken to the British company that introduced the DNA database, which costs approximately €45 for each dog.

“It costs a further €80 to DNA identify the dog poo,” he said. “We could recoup this and other administration costs in fines from the owner.”

Fine Gael councillor Deirdre Forde said she had seen the London concept, fully supported it, and put it out a couple of weeks ago on her Facebook page.

The council’s director of environment, Sharon Corcoran, described it as “an excellent idea,” but pointed out that there were approximately 35,000 dog licences issued in the county last year.

She said it would take a dedicated team to implement the proposal and this would cost time and money.

Ms Corcoran said the council would not have the cash or resources to go it alone, which prompted the SPC chairman, Fine Gael councillor Kevin Murphy to say a grant should be sought from Central Government to help finance the project as it was a great opportunity to rid the streets of dog fouling.

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