Dog Poo Database Aims To Save You From Stepping In Anything Gross

Dog poo. The bane of the pedestrian’s life. We’ve all had that sinking feeling as we wonder what that smell is and why our step feels somewhat softer than usual.

The Spanish city of Tarragona may have the answer - it’s building a dog poo database so it can track mess left on pavement and fine the owners of the pets responsible.

Ivana Martinez, councillor for public spaces, said that it’s currently very hard for police to crack down on dog mess unless they happen to be “in the right place at the right time”.

But the new database will allow officers to carry out random spot checks - your pooch’s DNA will be checked against the register and, if you’re found guilty of failing to clean up after your pet, you’ll be fined and have to pay the cost of the DNA analysis to boot.

A similar scheme is being piloted in the appropriately named London borough of Barking. Dog walkers are being banned from parks unless they sign Fido up to the register and have him swabbed for the database.

The long-term plan is to have all dogs registered in the Big Brother-esque scheme. By April 2016, microchip implants will be compulsory in all dogs, allowing them to store ID, DNA data and owner’s contact details.

Could the days of scraping dog poo off your shoe using a stick be numbered? Let’s hope so.

Image: Ray Tang/Rex Shutterstock