DNA testing for Dogs!

I'm a dog owner and like any responsible dog owner, I clear up behind them. When dealing with errant dog owners it is essential to get everything in perspective and proportional. So it should come as no surprise that the biggest pile of poo that I have come across is:-  by Hyndburn Borough Council "Dog mess could be subjected to DNA testing to identify the pets and owners responsible."

Now I know that pets have a poo on the footpath. But DNA testing dogs and their owners to create a DNA database is going a bit far.

Hyndburn borough council has a history of stupid actions towards dog owners. It might be said that the borough council is a bit rabid about dogs and their owners. Hyndburn borough council are in discussions with forensic vet over plans to analyse dog dirt found on pavements and in parks. The scheme is seen as an option to help tackle the growing problem of dog fouling. Ken Moss, the idiot councillor who proposed the scheme, said talks about DNA testing are at an “early stage”. If it goes ahead, it would be the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Ken, it could also be the only such idiotic scheme ever in the country as well! You must have something special for brains Ken.

Hyndburn borough council  is the same one who came up with using night vision goggles in dog fouling crackdown. Councillor Moss, who is chairman of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee, said: “I am led to believe there are only two of these vets in Britain and they work by analysing the samples and identifying the dog by DNA. It’s something that has been used in tourism hot spots on the Continent and is something they are looking to get a foot hold of here in England."

Somehow I think Councillor Ken may well have put his foot in it again!

 He added that he did not know what the project would cost. “It would probably rely on some database,” he said. “It might be that it’s unrealistic and cost too much or rely too much on voluntary information from the public.” He said: “It is possible to identify dogs from a faeces sample, but you need to have a database with all the dogs in the area to identify a particular dog.” He added that there were legal issues to be taken into account. “If somebody has seen a dog fouling and wants to report a particular dog, you would need to take a sample and that would require the owner’s consent. I am not aware of any legal framework that would allow this to happen.”

No shit Sherlock!

But Hyndburn Borough Council is a beginner in addressing the issue of fighting deposits of dog poo. Hastings Borough Council issued car stickers, most of which started with Oi!, and include the phrases "Have you got shit for brains?", "We're not taking your shit any more!" and "Sort your shit out!".

The campaign was launched by Hastings Borough Council as part of a get tough policy against dog fouling, litter and fly-tipping.

Now ask yourself, which of these two options is in perspective and proportional?

Later.....