DNA test plea to tackle dog fouling in county
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DOGS should be DNA tested so those that mess in public places can be traced.
That was said by Landward Caithness councillor Robert Coghill at a meeting of Castletown and District Community Council when the problem of dog fouling was being discussed.
He pointed out farm animals, including cattle and horses, have passports while sheep are double tagged to help with traceability – and he suggested doing something similar with dogs to try and combat the fouling problem.
Mr Coghill, a former NFU area president, said all dogs could have the DNA test which is not expensive. Such a move, he ?argued, would help trace ?offenders.
“That would be a practical solution to what is an unacceptable problem,” said Mr Coghill after the meeting.
He pointed out not only is dog dirt unsightly on public paths and pavements but can be a health hazard to young children.
The councillor suggested taking the animals away from their owner and rehousing them. “If they can’t clean up after their dog then they should not have a dog,” he told the Caithness Courier.
Mr Coghill acknowledged the majority of dog owners are responsible and it is a minority who cause the difficulty.
“Perhaps it is time the responsible dog owners reported the irresponsible ones because what is happening is unacceptable,” he added.
Community council chairman Doug Fraser agreed and urged members of the public to report dog owners who do not pick up their animals’ mess.
He said some people seem to take their dogs in cars and let them out to do their business in certain areas but do not clean up after them. Local man John Calder was aware of that and said dog fouling is a problem not only in Castletown but in many parts of the country. “It is a national problem,” said ?village officer Innes Moodie.
Earlier, Mr Calder said fly-tipping was also becoming an issue again and pointed out he recently spotted a cupboard in a lay-by near Castletown primary.
“It was cut up in bits and left at the side of the road,” he said at Thursday night’s meeting.
“Bags and empty cans are also dumped in ditches on a regular basis, stated Mr Calder.
Mr Fraser again urged people who see such things happening to get in touch with the police.
“Report it, otherwise you will get nowhere,” he said.
