A new scheme, which will involve conducting DNA tests, will be trialed to trace pet owners who let their dogs foul the streets. A DNA profile from the dog’s cheek, kept on a central register, can be linked to any mess with 99.9per cent accuracy.
Cleaning up dog’s dirt is costing Barking and Dagenham council up to £2.3million a year.
Council leader Darren Rodwell said: “The vast majority of dog owners in Barking and Dagenham are socially responsible but unfortunately a selfish few think it’s okay to not clean up after their pet.
“Dog mess not only spoils our streets - it’s also a health hazard and especially to young children.
“It’s why we are getting tough on dog muck to make a cleaner, healthier and better borough.”