Melbourne’s CSIs gather DNA of dogs

Dog rangers have been equipped with DNA kits — swabs, gloves, evidence bags other equipment — to gather clues at the scene of every dog attack on a human or pet in the City of Port Phillip, part of Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne.

“We have to make sure that if we have to do something like put an animal down or prosecute, we’re sure” of the canine culprit’s identity, Councilor Janet Cribbes said.

Fur, saliva, blood and excrement can all lead to an offender being collared.

The council claims to be the first in Australia to use dog DNA to prosecute a pet owner.

A Pomeranian was being walked on a leash in 2004 when it was mauled to death by two dogs in 2004.

DNA taken from fur and feces positively identified the offenders, which were destroyed as a consequence.

A magistrate fined the dogs’ registered owner 8,550 Australian dollars (US$7,244; euro5,375) for failing to control the pets.

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