DNA tests on dog poop could start in Amsterdam

Amsterdam residents who don't clean up after their pooping dogs, might soon be traced through a DNA test performed on their dog's poop, Het Parool reports. The owner of the dog will automatically received a fine.

VVD councilor Werner Toonk wants Amsterdam to implement this type of tracing. He got the idea from a town in Seattle, where a test run is currently underway. According to him, this will increase the risk of being caught by 50 percent.

Dog poo is the number one annoyance for 29 percent of Amsterdam residents. "Under our rules dog poop must be cleaned up and if the owner of the dog fails to do so, a fine is an appropriate action", according the VVD.

Toonk wants to know from the city council which neighborhoods need intensified action against this problem, in what way can DNA testing be implemented in Amsterdam and how much money the council thinks will be necessary to ensure that these tests are performed.