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The province of Bolzano in South Tyrol is currently building a database that will store the DNA of more than 40,000 local dogs. Since the beginning of this year, providing a DNA sample has been legally required. The collected samples must then be used to determine which dog a pile came from. In addition, the genetic material would also help if someone is bitten or if dogs are involved in traffic accidents.
Fines up to 1048 euros
According to previous decisions, the database should be operational by the summer. The proposed fines for lying are significant: between 292 and 1048 euros. There is no such thing as a dog tax in South Tyrol. By comparison, in Germany, depending on the state, between 10 and 150 euros are due if dog owners think they don’t have to bend down.
Several municipalities in Europe have already come up with the idea of solving the problem by storing genetic data. This was also considered in London and Paris. So far this has largely failed due to data protection and other legal hurdles. In South Tyrol, where clean sidewalks and walkways are more important than anywhere else, you are now probably closer than anywhere else.
Only a fifth of dog owners participate
The topic is still very controversial among today’s population. To date, only about a fifth of dog owners have gone to the vet to have their pet’s saliva swabbed with a cotton swab or blood drawn with a syringe. The state government is currently talking about 7,000 to 8,000 submitted samples, which are now being stored centrally. Many are indignant about the 65 euro reimbursement, especially because it also includes the doctor’s fee.
There is also great anger among locals that tourists’ animals have been excluded from the scheme. “Three quarters of holidaymakers who come to South Tyrol have a dog with them,” says Vanni Campanella (59). “But they are completely ignored. That’s not fair.”
Critics hope for changes
Many dog owners now hope that the law will be changed. The South Tyrolean Chamber of Veterinarians also points out that important questions remain unresolved. “For example, we don’t know yet who will take the sample when the pile is on the street. Not everyone is allowed to do that,” chairman Franz Hintner told the German news agency.
These will probably be sworn employees of the municipal public order offices. In any case, the South Tyrolean police have already made it clear that they already have enough to do.
It is also unclear how the judge will decide whether there are problems after a DNA comparison. Dog owner Campanella explains: “What actually happens if I put everything in the bag and throw it in the trash – and then a bad neighbor comes and puts everything back on the street? How are you going to prove that?” (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
