Councillor proposes DNA system to tackle dog fouling 

Stepping in dog poo can ruin anyone’s day, but for wheelchair users and the visually impaired, it’s not just a nuisance, it’s a serious obstacle.  

While the issue is caused by the anti-social actions of some dog owners, it remains a widespread problem that society has struggled to control.

Despite being a criminal offence, the number of prosecutions remains low, with most legal action coming from private individuals rather than authorities.  

But one local councillor believes he may have found a solution to this persistent issue.  

John Hurley (pictured above), Social Democrat Councillor representing Stillorgan, has tabled a motion proposing a revolutionary new approach to identifying the culprits: a DNA-based detection system that could match dog poo to its owner.  

The idea is simple yet effective.  

By sampling canine DNA from abandoned dog waste, the system could not only pinpoint the responsible dog and owner but could also be used to identify dogs involved in attacks on sheep or lambs.  

It would even allow for the precise identification of a dog’s breed, whether it’s a registered breed or not.  

“There is no need for a dog warden or member of the public to challenge an irresponsible owner or testify against them in court,” Cllr. Hurley explained.  

“The evidence simply catches up with the owner, and a hefty fine arrives in the post.”  

Cllr. Hurley’s motion calls on Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture, requesting that the legislation surrounding dog microchipping – Statutory Instrument No. 63/2015 – be amended to include a DNA profile alongside the mandatory microchip.

Since every dog in the State is already required to have a microchip with their owner’s details, adding a DNA sample would allow for a match with any dog poo found in public spaces.  

Similar DNA tracking solutions have already been successfully trialled around the world, from Bezier in France to the USA, and in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.

These trials, which have operated on a voluntary opt-in basis for dog owners, reported reductions in dog fouling by up to 50%.  

While the cost of recording dog DNA and obtaining samples from dog waste may seem prohibitive, the long-term societal benefits are clear.

Fines would need to be substantial to encourage dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously, but evidence from trials shows that once a few owners are held accountable, behaviour starts to change significantly.  

This groundbreaking approach could be the key to keeping public spaces clean and ensuring that dog owners act responsibly, putting an end to the frustration caused by the thoughtless actions of a few.