DNA experts to help beat Market Drayton dog mess problem

Dog fouling has been an ongoing issue in Market Drayton and now residents have invited a DNA company to help tackle the issue.

Flintshire-based company Streetkleen has developed a technology called PooPrints which holds a dog's DNA in a database, so owners who do not pick up the mess can be tracked down.

This system will be trialled in Market Drayton next week and if successful could be rolled out across Shropshire.

Gary Downie, the managing director of Streetkleen, said the company is currently piloting PooPrints in east London.

He said: "We have accepted an invitation to come to Market Drayton on Tuesday to have a chat around how the service works and its benefits to communities.

"We will be offering free dog DNA registration so people can see what it is like.

"The DNA registration process is very straightforward and literally takes minutes.

"It consists of a non-invasive cheek swab to capture DNA cells.

"We build an individual genetic profile of your dog and you gain access to our secure database with a range of dog-friendly features and information.

"The process can be undertaken in the comfort of our DNA registration vehicle, which will be in Market Drayton on the day. It will be located at Beacon Community Centre on Prospect Road from 9am. There will be a presentation at 2pm.

"If Shropshire Council judge dog fouling as anti-social behaviour they could make it a legal requirement to have dogs register. They will judge if it is worth adopting."

Councillor Roy Aldcroft, mayor of Market Drayton, said: "It is good to hear about an initiative like this but I do think it's only the ones that comply with the rules that will take part. People who regularly ignore the rules will avoid it like the plague."

Councillor Aldcroft said it would be "brilliant" if all dog owners were forced to sign up to it.

The invitation comes after the mayor held a meeting in Market Drayton last week to allow people to discuss issues with dogs in the town.