Dog mess app launched

26 March 2019, 06:00

A new app made by experts in the South West is challenging people to spot dog mess.

This app is being launched by the University of Gloucestershire and Bristol-based software firm Natural Apptitude. It's called 'Pooper Snooper' and aims to 'harnesses the power of the public to help stamp out dog mess'.

The app works by allowing people to record the location of any dog mess they discover on an interactive online map. Creators say this will both highlight the areas that require more work to clean up, and encourage more socially responsible dog owners.

Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire is an academic partner of the project who will be analysing the data.

He said: "Currently we have very little idea of the scale of the problem, its distribution, the links to other wildlife issues and how we can cost-effectively tackle it. 

"It is a more unusual form of citizen science that's for sure, but we are hoping that lots of people will become "pooper snoopers" and help to provide the data we need to change behaviour and improve the environment for everyone".

CEO of Natural Apptitude, Dave Kilbey says: "We all need to take more responsibility for our pets. By highlighting just how bad the problem is, building up a better sense of social responsibly and helping councils to more easily target limited enforcement activities in the worst affected areas we hope to drive that change forward."

Pooper Snooper launched with the Bristol City Council's 'Bristol Clean Streets' campaign on 22 March, part of the Great Bristol Spring Clean campaign. 

People wanting to take part in the project can download Pooper Snooper from the App Store and Google Play or visit: https://poopersnooper.app/