DNA used in fight against dog poo

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Dog poo - the scourge of pavements and recreation areas the world over.

An Israeli vet has come up with a plan to 'sniff' out those irresponsible dog-owners who fail to clear up after their pets.

Dr Tika Bar On is building a dog DNA database that's aiming to register every canine in a Tel Aviv neighbourhood.

In future walking away from this could land dog owners in Petah Tikva with a hefty fine.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) VETERINARIAN WHO DEVELOPED PROJECT, DOCTOR TIKA BAR ON SAYING:

"We don't want to punish them we just want them to realize what is the importance of a clean city".

On the other hand, owners who dispose of their dogs' mess in specially marked bins will be rewarded with pet food coupons and dog toys.

Dog owners are being invited to register their pets' DNA during a six-month trial period.

DNA is taken from a mouth swab and stored.

Samples of discarded faeces can swiftly be matched to a registered dog and more importantly identify its owner.

Bar On is hoping that DNA testing of dogs will eventually become mandatory, removing the scourge of dog poo from the streets this Tel Aviv neighbourhood.

Helen Long, Reuters