There has long been talk about it but the town of Maracena (outskirts of Granada) has finally decided to register pet DNA and then sample street droppings.

The Mayor of Maracena, Noel López, explained that after meetings with the various neighbourhood associations, he found that the most prolific complaint was about dog excrement on the streets, so he decided to take the bull by the horns and launch this scheme.

The Town Hall is going to work in collaboration with the company, Biotech Business International, to create a dog DNA register which will not only include the animal’s DNA but will also include the collection, analysis and storage of ‘excrement samples.’

The Mayor assures residents that the selected company has ample experience in this area and says that he has been guaranteed, that within a few months of the system being set up, results will be noticeable; i.e., an 80% drop in droppings.

The Town Hall emphasises, however, that the DNA register will not only serve this end, but will also “help secure the care of pets.”

So, how does it work? Dog owners must go to any of the local veterinary clinics and have a blood sample taken. The sample will be analysised and the results entered onto a canine DNA register. After that, dog owners will be able to pick up a dog tag (in the military sense) from the same vet.

“The Town Hall has decreed a 6-month period in which these blood test will be completely free in order to encourage dog owners to register,” explained the Mayor.

Seeing as there are thought to be round 4,000 dogs in Maracena…

(News: Maracena, Granada, Andalucia)