A DOG DNA database could be set up in Southend to catch owners who don’t pick up after their pets.

Tory group leader Tony Cox hopes the motion will be passed after suggesting testing dog muck before forensically examining the results to find the owner of the mess and the animal.

It works by taking a swab from a dog and logging the results so the more mutts included the more mess can be linked.

The doggie database was first suggested when the Tories took minority control the council and has now been suggested again ahead of a full council meeting this week.

The motion calls for the “most offensive type of litter on our streets” to be cleaned up and was proposed by Tory councillors Alex Bright and Tony Cox, and seconded by 17 other Tory councillors.

Mr Bright said they would need a bank of data with DNA samples of dogs for the scheme to work.

He said: “Every dog must be microchipped these days, that is a system that we already have in place that links dogs to their owners.

“So why can’t a DNA sample be taken at the same time as they are being chipped, it would be simple and then the DNA would be on file and link to the owner.

“We would need to work out all the details, but if the motion gets support we can then move forward.”

A similar scheme has been introduced in Dagenham and Barking - with it already branded a success.

And the councillor added that dog mess is a large issue in Southend.

He said: “We are a densely populated town, with that many people in a smaller place, with lots of dogs, its always going to be a problem. It is not nice for anyone to see and it comes with health risks as well.

“The majority of dog owners are responsible, but there are too many leaving mess and they should be dealt with.”

The motion reads: “Dog mess is an emotive issue and one of the most unacceptable and offensive type of litter on our streets. Members conversations with residents tells us that dog fouling is an issue the public are most concerned about. This council therefore resolves that it should introduce dog poo DNA to help combat the problem in Southend.”