Your dog's pooprint can be identified with new technology in downtown Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke has partnered with BioPet Laboratories PooPrints service to reduce pet waste left inside and outside the downtown area.

According to a news release, PooPrints allows property owners to identify un-scooped dog waste and match them with the dog it came from.

The program aims to encourage responsible behavior from pet owners.

"As our downtown resident base has grown, so has the need to look at new and innovative ways to keep our downtown clean and beautiful," said Tina Workman, President and CEO of Downtown Roanoke, Inc. "We love all of our downtown residents both two- and four-legged ones and we want to provide residents and visitors with the best experience possible while they're downtown."

The kick-off event, "Yappy Hour," will feature an estimated 300 dogs and their owners. The event will take place on April 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Norfolk Avenue in front of the Virginia Museum.