Alcalá de Henares steps up canine DNA control to improve urban cleanliness

The City Council reinforces sampling and awareness campaigns in various neighborhoods to ensure civic responsibility and hygiene.

Generic image of laboratory equipment for DNA analysis.
IA

Generic image of laboratory equipment for DNA analysis.

The Alcalá de Henares City Council has intensified canine DNA control efforts in various neighborhoods, such as Ciudad 10 and the Historic Center, to promote urban cleanliness.

The municipal initiative seeks to improve coexistence through the unequivocal identification of pets. The work, carried out in collaboration with the Local Police, includes periodic collection of canine waste samples to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Since the implementation of this system, the local government has processed nearly 400 sanctioning files. Infractions include both failure to collect waste and failure to register the animal's DNA in the official census, which already exceeds 10,200 registered dogs.
The Municipal Ordinance on responsible pet ownership establishes the mandatory identification of dogs using this genetic technique. Owners are also reminded of the need to dilute urine with water in public spaces to maintain proper hygienic conditions.
Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to financial penalties ranging from 300 to 3,000 euros. The local government has confirmed that it will continue information and control campaigns to further increase the number of registered pets.
Based on information from the official source: Ayuntamiento de Alcalá de Henares (28/07/2026)