Leitirm County Council is introducing DNA testing in order to identify offenders who neglect to pick up dog foul.
It's estimated that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million faecal coliform bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhoea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders in humans.
From May 1st, officers will be able to take samples of dog waste in areas with high levels of dog fouling, owners of dogs in the area will be asked to allow a sample of saliva to be taken from their dog.
If owners comply and are found to be responsible for the dog mess, they will be issued with a warning on the first offence.
Owners who do not cooperate will be issued with a Statutory Notice under the Animal Health & Welfare Act compelling them to do so.
County Vet James Madden says if they still don't co-operate they will be taken to court:
