‘Let’s test dog poop for DNA to catch culprits’
A SUGGESTION that dog dirt samples should be DNA tested to track their owners was poo pooed at last week’s county council meeting.
The issue raised a stink among councillors who were already incensed with the scale of dog depositing going on in laneways, streets and walking routes across the county. One councillor suggested asking the advice of Kilkenny City Council, who have successfully tackled the problem on their streets.
Cllr Martin Murphy’s motion, calling for dog free zones in the county’s urban centres starting with a trial run in Wexford town to be followed by a roll-out in other urban centres – did not garner much support. Cllr Murphy said: ‘We are all very familiar of stories of people walking into dog dirt. In some countries dog DNA is taken. I believe the obligation is on us to make every possible attempt to clean up our streets.’
Cllr Robbie Ireton said the amount of dog dirt in public places dotted around the county is frightening. ‘ This dog manure is in places where children are trying to play and where council workers are trying to cut grass. This thing about the majority of people being very good (at picking up after their dogs) is a whole load of rubbish because they’re not.’
Cllr Davy Hynes said: ‘ That is absolutely putting the cart before the horse.’
‘Or the dog,’ one of the members joked. ‘What is it going to be next, people free zones?’ Cllr Hynes said, aghast. ‘ You’re barking up the wrong tree there, Davy,’ Cllr George Lawlor added.
‘ This is not the way we should go about dealing with this problem. We’ll be the laughing stock of the country. How many people have been caught and charged. Not one! There is something wrong here. Obviously someone is looking the other way,’ another councillor added.
Cllr Willie Fitzharris agreed that dog fouling is a major problem. He said Kilkenny City Council has been very successful in ‘almost solving’ the problem, suggesting that the Director of Services John Carley could visit Kilkenny officials upon his return. Cllr Malcolm Byrne supported Cllr Murphy, saying: ‘I think it’s something we should trial. Dog dirt is a huge problem. It’s not going to be a panacea. I don’t think it’s extreme taking DNA as if someone has gone to the trouble of microchipping their dog, why not take a DNA sample also?’
He was told the dog dirt is coming from pets owned by people who don’t take the trouble to microchip their animals. ‘I want to speak up for the underdog here,’ Cllr Lawlor said. ‘ There are plans for a dog park at the new Min Ryan Park. The problem here is irresponsible dog owners. This is like Dog DNA CSI.’ Councillors argued the need for tougher legislation and more cameras at hot spots for dog litter rather than penalising people from walking their dogs in certain areas. Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said New Zealand visitors to Enniscorthy over Christmas were horrified by the sheer amount of dog dirt near the train station. ‘ Any dogs that are uncontrolled should be taken away.’ Cllr Jim Moore said something has to be done as our towns are getting a reputation locally and nationally due to the amount of dog dirt on the streets.
Cllr Anthony Connick agreed with DNA testing, saying: ‘Every calf that is born a sample is taken from its ear and a database could be used,’ as occurs in some parts of Spain.
Cllr Murphy said he was happy so long as a genuine effort is made, suggesting the meeting with Kilkenny officials. ‘ There are a lot of responsible dog walkers out there and it’s important to commend them as well.’ The meeting heard many people don’t even have dog licences.
Cllr Murphy said he would withdraw his motion and will not bring it again so long as the issue is not side stepped by council officials.