Activists are proposing the use of DNA testing to tackle dog fouling

A public initiative has been launched in Luxembourg proposing a radical approach to tackling street litter. The petition, which is open for signatures until 9 May, calls for the creation of a national DNA database of all dogs registered in the country. The aim of the project is to ensure that owners who ignore the rules on cleaning up after their pets in public places face inevitable punishment.

The author of the petition, Philippe Bernard, proposes making mandatory DNA sampling part of the pet registration process. If excrement is found on a pavement or in a park, local authorities will be able to take a sample for analysis and compare it with a database. This will enable them to identify the owner with certainty and issue a fine based on irrefutable biological evidence.

At present, most municipalities in the country already have regulations prohibiting the disposal of animal waste on public roads. In Luxembourg, for example, a fine of between €25 and €250 is imposed for such offences. To maintain cleanliness, the city authorities are taking the following measures:

• The creation of 18 designated dog-walking areas, which are cleaned regularly.
• Installation of 400 dispensers providing free waste collection bags across the capital.

Despite the existence of infrastructure and punitive measures, Bernard notes that the problem persists. In his view, only a DNA identification system—which has been successfully trialled in a number of cities abroad—is capable of bringing city dwellers into line. In order for the initiative to be put forward for public debate in the Chamber of Deputies, the author must collect 5,500 signatures.