Moreland Council’s dog poo DNA test proposal binned
A proposal to perform DNA tests on dog waste to catch out lazy pet owners has been quashed at a Moreland City Council meeting in favour of more signs to raise awareness about cleaning up after pets. Will they do the trick?
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A motion to test dog excrement for DNA was last night put on the back burner at Moreland City Council’s meeting.
The original proposal, which suggested a register of dog DNA could be created and canine faeces could be tested for DNA to catch lazy owners, was quashed and a new motion was tabled by Councillor Lambros Tapinos.
“The previous motion that did get a lot of media was an innovative approach which was raised by residents,” he said.
“I acknowledge it probably was a little bit too visionary considering there wasn’t an operator in Australia, but I am glad that it was able to get some publicity and I am glad those issues were raised because it means residents are taking this issue more seriously.”
Mr Tapinos said the council had failed to fine one person despite having strict laws around people leaving their dog’s poo in public places.
“In moving this today I acknowledge that the innovative approach that DNA testing is not necessarily feasible, it certainly doesn’t have the support of my colleagues here and that's been made clear in the debate that’s been had in the media,” he said.
“So I have tried to get a motion up that does have support that does at least raise awareness in the community so that we can start dealing with what is a serious issue.”
The new motion, which was passed, said: “Council officers investigate and prepare a report to council on initiatives to increase awareness and inform owners of their responsibility to clean up after their pets, such as placing more signs in public places”.
Moreland Mayor Natalie Abboud said while it was an important issue, it wasn’t one at the top of her priority list.
The original proposal said: “Open space officers can use the registry to identify irresponsible dog owners via a DNA sample from the dog poo left in public place, kerbside and parks being testing in a laboratory”.
“DNA evidence may be able to assist Council to issue infringements to irresponsible owners and recover the costs.”
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The idea caused a stir with residents, with many opposed to the idea and urging council to spend their money elsewhere.
However, some thought the idea had merit, suggesting the issue of people leaving their dog’s poo in public places in Moreland was getting out of control.
“I have two small dogs myself and always pick up after them and it infuriates me the number of dog owners who don’t supervise their dogs and let them run around pooing everywhere but don’t pick it up because they are too busy on their phone or chatting,” one resident said.