German town to DNA test all dogs in fight against pooch poop

This may seem like a very petty item. However, it did worry me that there is significant potential to erode freedoms.

Any government body, anywhere in the world wishing to set up DNA databases - even of our pets is in danger of creating legal precedents which would impact all of us.

I know that this is a 'voluntary' scheme - but how long before it becomes involuntary.

If you read the story taking in the surface meaning - it's a fun read..however, the underlying principles make me uncomfortable. Wonder how long it will be before we are all logged?

Enjoy!

FROM THE DAILYMAIL
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A small town in Germany plans to DNA test every dog so it can fine their owners when they foul public places.

Peter Kornell, the mayor of Volkach in Bavaria, said the scheme would involve taking either fur or saliva from each of the 420 registered hounds in town.

'Unfortunately, we have to do it voluntarily because there is nothing in the constitution about a dog DNA databank being enforceable,' he said.

'But we are proceeding to log every pooch.'

The German town of Volkach will take either fur or saliva from each of the 420 registered hounds

'Any person who has trodden in their muck because their owners were too lazy or indifferent to clean up after them will know how distasteful and infuriating it is.

'So we aim to end it.'

The town council meets to approve the dog watch plan in February.

Mayor Kornell is confident it will get passed, but admits that the £78,000 price-tag may anger some residents.

As part of the plan, the council will also appoint a dog warden whose job will be to collect errant dog do and match it with the databank - or put out an alert for a stray that must be stopped.

Among the other ideas are, giving 20 euro rewards to people who squeal on dirty dogs, and abandoning the database plan for a leaflet drop around town reminding dog owners of their responsibilities.

Berlin is notorious for footpaths covered in dog excrement - so much so that residents have demanded DNA testing, despite the cost.

But with the city in billions of euros in debt, Volkach could become the first to pioneer the scheme.

In Germany, it is against the law for dogs to foul footpaths and play areas, nursery grounds, railway and bus stations, and there are fines when the authorities can be bothered to implement them.

ENDS
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