Dog owners in Bolzano, Italy, are required to submit their pets for DNA tests to combat the issue of dog faeces in public areas.
The swab test results are added to a database, aiding police in identifying owners and imposing fines ranging from €292 to €1,048.
Although the law mandated the testing of approximately 45,000 dogs in the Trentino-Alto Adige region by December 2023, only 5,000 have complied.
The initiative has sparked controversy, particularly among responsible dog owners who already clean up after their pets and now face a €65 testing fee.
Concerns have arisen about managing the complex and costly program, especially when dealing with strays or dogs owned by tourists.
Despite criticism, Arnold Schuler, a provincial councillor, stated that the database is in the implementation phase and will also be used for identifying dogs involved in accidents or attacks.
DNA tests become mandatory from the end of March, with significant fines for non-compliance. While facing opposition, Schuler noted that other Italian regions have shown interest in the initiative. Animal associations organised petitions against the law, citing unjustness and high management costs.
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