FACT uses sniffer dogs to find pirates

THE FEDERATION Against Copyright Theft has successfully trained sniffer dogs to find pirated software amongst airport luggage.

Two dogs, Lucky and Flo, tested their skills at the FedEx UK hub at Stansted Airport. Apparently they were amazingly successful at identifying packages containing DVDs, which were opened and checked by HM Customs' representatives.

The project was backed by the Motion Picture Association of America and two Labradors were trained by one of the world's leading experts in the field whose other clients include police, fire and rescue service.

It took them eight months to learn how to identify DVDs that may be located in boxes, envelopes or other packaging, as well as discs concealed amongst other goods which could be sold illegally in the UK.

We are amazed that mother nature gives a dog the sense of smell that can tell different types of plastic apart, and wonder where in the wild such a skill would be necessary.

More here. µ