A London council is working with a company they hope will bring an end of the much-reviled dog mess problem. We’re wondering if it might work on the Isle of Wight.
The rather aptly-named Barking and Dagenham borough council is the first in the UK to attempt to catch dog poop offenders by using forensic techniques.
Huge cost in clearing up
Good dog owners are no problem, but clearing up dog faeces and employing a dedicated dog warden costs the London council a whopping £2.3 million each year, so you can see why they would want to find a solution.
They’re hoping to start a pilot next year, encouraging dog owners to have their pet’s DNA registered with Vets using the PooPrints™ programme. As well as being a way to catch offenders, the programme is also being pitched as protection for dog owners who might be falsely accused of offending.
An Island problem too
The problem of dog mess in public areas is one that also affects many places in the UK and the town and parish councils across the Isle of Wight are no exception.
IW Councillors are often saying it’s one of the key issues their constituents are concerned about.
During these cash-strapped times, we’re not sure whether this is something the Isle of Wight council would be able to afford, but we’ve asked whether they’ll consider it and will let you know what they come back to us with.
Dog mess is ‘a health hazard’
Back to Barking and Dagenham and the council leader Darren Rodwell said,
“The vast majority of dog owners in Barking and Dagenham are socially responsible but unfortunately a selfish few think it’s okay to not clean up after their pet.
“Dog mess not only spoils our streets – it’s also a health hazard and especially to young children. It’s why we are getting tough on dog muck to make a cleaner, healthier and better borough.”
A report in the London Evening Standard claims that “similar systems already operating in the States have reduced dog fouling by as much as 90 per cent.”
Now that would be heavenly!
