This initiative, presented by the local government, primarily aims to reduce the presence of canine excrement on the city's streets. The system will allow direct linkage of DNA samples collected in public areas to the animal and its owner, facilitating the application of penalties.
Until September 30, dog owners can get a free saliva test at any participating veterinary clinic in the municipality. The procedure is simple and causes no discomfort to the animal. To access the free service, interested parties must register their pets via the platform https://igecan.adncanino.es/precarga-animal, selecting Torrejón de Ardoz on the form.
From October 1, the situation changes. Those who have not registered their dogs' DNA will have to pay 36.30 euros for the test. Furthermore, the City Council has warned that owners without registered canine DNA could face fines of up to 750 euros if their pets are found to have left excrement in public areas.
“"This procedure provides the City Council with an effective, objective, and deterrent mechanism to combat uncivil behavior related to canine excrement in the streets."
Beyond its punitive function, the canine DNA census is also presented as a tool for animal protection. The genetic database will facilitate the location of lost, mistreated, or abandoned dogs, adding an extra utility to the collected data.
