Daventry dog DNA database could be created if dog mess hotspots don't improve

Volunteers pictured at the council's Paint Means Poo initiative launch last year

Daventry District Council's strategy group will discuss the introduction of new PSPOs (public space protection order) on Thursday after running a public consultation on the proposals this summer.

Many who answered the survey opposed the database idea, as did two national bodies, which could be used to create "DNA restricted areas".

These would be implemented if areas like Borough Hill don't see an improvement in dog fouling.

A restriction on the number of dogs walked at one time (maximum six) also looks set for approval.

"There was strong opposition from the public to the introduction of areas where only walkers with dogs on a DNA database would be permitted to walk their dogs off the lead," the report states.

"Significant opposition was also documented from The Kennel Club and RSPCA.

"Despite this opposition, it is advised that this proposal be included in the PSPO but only to be implemented if the fouling of a specific hotspot worsens and enforcement of the above offences fails to address significant levels of fouling."

The council received 610 survey responses and 1,904 comments; aside from the proposal of DNA restricted areas of public space, which was the main area of objection, the responses were supportive.

There was marginal support for dogs being on leads in built-up areas, dogs being on a length and type of lead and dogs being excluded from maintained sports pitches.

After DDC received feedback from The Kennel Club and the RSPCA, the council was advised not to introduce those PSPOs.

The five existing offences scored highly and will be renewed.

"Support has also been shown for the introduction of the new laws: dogs on leads in graveyards, memorial gardens and cemeteries, dogs on leads near schools, restriction of dogs to be walked at any one time and prohibition of smoking from children’s play areas," wrote community manager Maria Taylor in her report.

"In view of this, it is intended that the PSPO will incorporate both the existing offences and these four new offences.

"With regards to DNA registration it is intended to keep this requirement in reserve should the existing requirements fail and a specific area continue to be so significantly soiled that a regulatory escalation is required."