Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Interactive map to tackle dog fouling
The 'Doodoowatch' scheme lets people highlight popular ‘dumping spots’ and upload photographs of the unwanted dog mess.

'Doodoowatch' lets people highlight popular ‘dumping spots’

Residents in a Cambridgeshire have come up with a novel way tackle the problem of dog fouling.

According to BBC News, the problem has become so bad in the village of Wimblington that locals have drawn up an interactive “poo-shaming” map. The scheme, named Doodoowatch, lets people highlight popular ‘dumping spots’ and upload photographs of the unwanted dog mess.

The idea is the brainchild of Wimblington resident Amanda Carlin, who said that it was a “fun way of addressing a serious issue”. When somebody reports a case of dog fouling, a smiley icon appears on the map and the reports are then passed on to the local authorities.

Ms Carlin, a former parish councillor, said that she hoped people would be “shamed” into picking up after their dog. The map will show locals where it is safe and clean to walk with their animals and children, she added.

She now plans to keep a close eye on the scheme to see if the number of dog-fouling reports decline. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.