DEFA explores DNA dog foul profiling

MHK made the announcement on Facebook

The possibility of using DNA profiling to combat dog fouling is to be explored by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Departmental member Martyn Perkins MHK has made the announcement on Facebook, saying a public consultation on the matter will be carried out.

He says the method is being used in Gibraltar, Singapore and parts of the USA.

It was also trialed, appropriately, in the London borough of Barking last year.

Profiling enables local authorities to identify and prosecute lazy dog owners, identifying their pets by testing what they have left behind while out on a walk.

Mr Perkins adds it could also help farmers to identify the dog responsible for injuring livestock.