Dog DNA test plan to tackle Isle of Man poo problem

Dog owners who fall foul of the law when it comes to picking up their pet pooches' poo could be caught under proposals to introduce DNA testing.

The proposed system for the Isle of Man would see swabs taken from dogs' mouths and compared to samples taken from faeces.

The Manx government will consult the public on new measures to tackle the problem, which includes the possibility of a dog DNA database.

Currently, owners can be given a fixed penalty fine of £50 or taken to court if they do not clean up after their dog.