The municipality of Béziers organizes free canine oral DNA samples to be able to identify dog droppings and trace them back to the owners in order to sanction them. “An imperative for the health of such a tourist town”, indicates the town hall.
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The town of Béziers (Hérault) has been organizing the collection of canine oral DNA since Friday September 15 and until Saturday September 16 in the evening. “After these dates, you will have to do it at your expense at your veterinarian”, specifies the municipality on its site. According to the municipal decree issued by Mayor Robert Ménard, “from July 13, 2023 and until July 13, 2025, any person who walks their dog” within the perimeter of the city center “must provide proof of the genetic identification of their animal”. This is an experiment. The checks will begin at the end of September, according to France Bleu Hérault.
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Large tents have been set up on the Allée Paul Riquet, in the city center. More than 700 dog owners made appointments over these two days, without even counting those who showed up without booking, France Bleu Hérault reported this Saturday. Appointments last on average five minutes. Reception agents first check the identity of the dogs, then veterinarians check their microchips. They then take the sample with a stick in the dog’s mouth for around ten seconds. The dog handlers then leave with a certificate. Then the town hall will send the “DNA passport” within one month.
38 euros fine in the absence of a “DNA passport”
This document is therefore mandatory within the city center perimeter. Dog owners face a fine of 38 euros. The municipality specifies, however, that “in the first weeks, the agents will obviously demonstrate pedagogy”. Afterwards, “if droppings from your dog are identified by the laboratory responsible for this mission, you will have to pay the cleaning costs at the rate of 122 euros per dropping”. The city of Béziers adds that failure to collect dog waste is also “punished with the fine provided for 2nd class infractions, i.e. to date €150 maximum”.
On its website, the Béziers town hall explains that the budget allocated to the fight against dog droppings amounts to 80,000 euros each year. “An imperative for the health of such a tourist city.”