App warns dog owners about local hazards

The Schorsch app alerts dog owners to hazards such as shooting, fireworks, broken glass and poisonous bait, SRF reported. The idea came from Zurich IT consultant Sebastian Waldburger after his four year old Border Collie, Schorsch, was frightened by gunfire.

Schorsch often walks with his owner near the Tambel shooting range in Wallisellen, next to the Hardwald forest. The area is popular with dog owners, but the shooting noise can be a problem for the dog.

Schorsch’s owner, Michaela Waldburger, asked the shooting range when firing was scheduled. Her son then began sending her an automatically generated email each day with information about shooting activity.

After completing further training in artificial intelligence and automation, Sebastian Waldburger developed the idea into an app. The Schorsch app was completed in about four months and is now available free of charge for Android phones. An Apple version is planned. The app has no advertising.

The app also warns users about blue green algae in lakes, broken glass, poisonous bait and planned fireworks. Users can report hazards and upload photos, notifying people in the surrounding area. The app also serves as a reference tool that dog owners can check before going for a walk.

The app spent the past three weeks in testing. Michaela Waldburger said she checks the situation before walking with Schorsch, which makes the outings more relaxed. Waldburger is considering adding further information, including zones where dogs must be kept on a leash.