DNA testing will help authorities on the small island
of Capri, a popular destination among Italian and international jet-setters, track
down the irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.
Capri’s mayor Ciro Lembo says it costs about five million euro a year to keep
the island clean: ‘Do you really think we will let the reputation of the island
whose beauty is coveted by the world be compromised by waste left in the
streets by inattentive or arrogant dog owners?’ he responded in an interview
with the news agency Adnkronos. Blood samples for each dog on the island will
be placed on file; starting in June, city workers will call the police when
they find dog excrement left on sidewalks. The police will then send a sample
to a laboratory where DNA will be extracted and compared with the results of
blood samples. A match will mean a fine of up to 2,000 euro.
