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Assistance dogs to use household appliances
dog using prototype buttons
New technology could cut the amount of time it takes to train assistance dogs.
Prototype designed to help dogs operate lights, appliances and doors

Assistance dogs may soon be able to operate doors, lights and household appliances thanks to new technology developed by scientists.

A research team from the Open University worked alongside Dogs for the Disabled to develop prototype buttons to help dogs open doors and drawers and press buttons.

It is hoped the new technology could make it easier for dogs to assist humans, whilst dramatically reducing the amount of time it takes to train assistance dogs. As the set of buttons can be installed in the home, researchers say this cuts down the amount of relearning the dog has to do in its new home.

The prototype is currently on display at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition which opens today (July 1) in London. Visitors to the free event will be able to watch dogs using the technology.

To help people understand the challenges faced by working dogs, visitors will be able to carry out tasks using "doggy vision" goggles and boxing gloves imitating paws.

The Technology for Dogs exhibit will also showcase other devices in development, such as the new diabetes alarm developed in partnership with Medical Detection Dogs.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge and runs from today until Sunday, July 6.

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.