This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7619179.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
DNA to be used in dog mess fight DNA to be used in dog mess fight
(2 days later)
Officials in an Israeli city have come up with an innovative way of tracking dog owners who allow their pets to foul the streets - DNA analysis.Officials in an Israeli city have come up with an innovative way of tracking dog owners who allow their pets to foul the streets - DNA analysis.
Authorities in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, are setting up a special DNA database of local dogs.Authorities in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, are setting up a special DNA database of local dogs.
They will use the data to match dogs' droppings to owners - and punish those who do not clean up after their pets.They will use the data to match dogs' droppings to owners - and punish those who do not clean up after their pets.
While those who keep the streets clear will be rewarded, owners who fail to scoop the poop could face fines.While those who keep the streets clear will be rewarded, owners who fail to scoop the poop could face fines.
"My goal is to get the residents involved and tell them that together, we can make our environment clean," Tika Bar-On, the city's chief veterinarian, told Reuters news agency."My goal is to get the residents involved and tell them that together, we can make our environment clean," Tika Bar-On, the city's chief veterinarian, told Reuters news agency.
Advertisement
Dr Tika Bar-On explains the process of getting the DNA
Owners were reacting positively to the six-month trial programme, she told the agency, because they wanted their streets to be clean.Owners were reacting positively to the six-month trial programme, she told the agency, because they wanted their streets to be clean.
At the moment providing a DNA sample was up to individual dog owners, but the city was considering making it compulsory, she added.At the moment providing a DNA sample was up to individual dog owners, but the city was considering making it compulsory, she added.
Failure to clear up dog mess is not confined to Petah Tikva. In the UK, some councils have resorted to using CCTV and undercover patrols to identify offenders in particular trouble spots.Failure to clear up dog mess is not confined to Petah Tikva. In the UK, some councils have resorted to using CCTV and undercover patrols to identify offenders in particular trouble spots.
Other have given away free bags to encourage owners to pick up after their dogs.Other have given away free bags to encourage owners to pick up after their dogs.