A PARISH council has voted in plans to DNA test dog poo to try and catch persistent offenders.

Alresford Parish Council will call on DNA analysis company, PooPrints, to help with the ongoing fouling problem near the shopping area and community garden, after discussing it at a meeting last night.

Normally, PooPrints requires all dog owners to voluntarily register their dog's DNA on a database, so it can be matched with samples from un-scooped mess.

In Arlesford, the council hopes dog wardens will collect samples from un-cleared dog mess which could later be matched with the offending dog - if the public can inform the dog warden or the PCSO of their identity.

Frank Belgrove, chairman of the parish council, said: "Persistent offenders who get caught could still refuse to give a sample, but it would not be in their interests.

"We are relying on people knowing who the offenders are or taking a picture."

Voluntarily registering a dog's DNA with PooPrints costs £35 and each DNA analysis test - to match the dog mess with the culprit - costs £80. 

Mr Belgrove said the £80 tests were not budgeted for by the council.

He said: "The parish council will meet the cost providing it can be recouped in fines from the offender.

"The fine for dog fouling is £1,000 and there are already costs implications for us in clearing up the mess.

"This is more targeted."

Testing a sample of dog mess without a match on the database can only tell the dog's breed and sex.

Gary Downie, managing director of PooPrints, said: "We are going to work with the parish council to find the most appropriate method for using DNA.

"There are huge benefits of registering your dog's DNA but the challenge is to get people to do it.

"The council should be applauded for their aspirational approach."