DNA Could Land Dog Owners in Deep Doo-Doo
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An Israeli city is hoping to combat dog poo — along with pet owners who leave it littering footpaths — with the help of DNA.
Residents of the city of Petah Tikva, a suburb of Tel Aviv, have been asked to take their pooch to their local vet, where a DNA sample can be collected.
The city hopes to build a database so feces can be matched to registered dogs and their masters.
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Owners who scoop up their dog's poo and put it in specially marked bins on Petah Tikva's streets will be eligible for rewards — such as pet food coupons and dog toys.
But owners who leave their pet's droppings on footpaths could face a fine.
If the voluntary program takes off, the city will consider making it mandatory for owners to provide DNA samples from their dogs.
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