CSI for dogs. Sort of.

CSI is a great programme; formulaic yes but also crime-solving television at its best. And the soundtrack is pretty fabulous, too.

Clearly some environmental officers from Scotland have been seeing how they can apply some CSI-style detective work to their own jobs. And now they have come up with a winner. So what is it, you ask?

Well, it's everybody's favourite subject...dog mess. Everyone blames us, the so-called dirty dogs but surely everyone knows by now it's the owners who don't pick up!

Anyway, apparently dog mess is a "robust DNA source" so councillors have decided to build up a DNA database of the offending material and trace it back to the owners, who are, after all, repeat offenders. The local authority will then fine them for being too lazy to pick up. Well quite right too, I say.

The Mistress has reproached people in the past (who don't pick up) by offering them a plastic bag to clear up but her other half has asked her not to be so confrontational. He is worried someone is going to respond a bit more aggressively than grunting at her. He keeps saying, "you'll be decked, if you carry on like that". But someone's got to be vigilant, haven't they?

The Scotsman reports that this approach to fouling has far-reaching consequences; it's not just about identifying the culprits in this doggy drama. It's also about solving much more serious crimes. Apparently, a man was charged and found guild of murder in Indiana, USA because the dog mess on his trainers linked him to the crime scene.

Perhaps Scottish author Ian Rankin will weave this latest crime-solving development into his next book. Who knows?

Woof Woof