BARKING and Dagenham Council are to introduce DNA testing on all dogs whose owners hope to be able to walk their pets in any of their parks or green areas.

The test is said to be painless to the pets and is being implemented in line with the compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs to be introduced by April next year.

The idea is that poo can be traced back to the owners who can then be fined for their lazy antisocial actions.

A similar scheme in the USA resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in dog fouling. Perhaps York council might consider the idea.

DM Deamer, Penleys Grove Street, Monkgate, York.