With slogans such as “Don't mess it up” and “Peeing here will cost you dearly”, the initiative aims to appeal to owners' responsibility for maintaining clean public spaces. Biodegradable vinyl stickers are being placed on the ground at spots with abandoned excrement to remind people of the regulations and the consequences of non-compliance.
The Councilor for Animal Welfare, Johana Gómez, emphasized that “collecting excrement and cleaning public areas is an obligation and a responsibility towards other residents. Non-compliance is now punishable by 1,000 euros”. This measure follows up on regular checks conducted using the canine DNA system.
The municipal registry, which already has over 5,000 registered dogs, allows for the identification of the animals responsible for abandoned excrement. This system has previously enabled the identification of owners to process corresponding fines, such as in a case where droppings caused a woman to fall.
Gómez highlighted the effectiveness of canine DNA: “it works and helps us both detect non-compliance and encourage responsible behavior. Collecting excrement not only contributes to keeping Paterna cleaner but also prevents accidents and improves coexistence”. The Animal Welfare department reminds that all registered dogs must be enrolled in this registry and that controls will be maintained continuously.
