It only happens once a year, but April 1 is the one day when media hoaxers are given licence to have some fun.
Readers of the Metro newspaper were horrified to read this morning that BMW has introduced new electronic shock technology to its Beamer model.
Apparently any dog which decides to cock a leg and relieve itself over one of the new motor’s wheels will get a shock – quite literally a 200volt shock.
The charge is generated when drivers slam on the brakes, only to be released when any pup decides to spend a penny.
The invention has been described by the German car giant as being ‘relatively pain-free’ but still providing a sting stong enough to deter further bad doggy behaviour.
The Canine Repellent Alloy Protection (CRAP) inventor Dr Hans Zoff said, “Research shows that the most BMW customers love to keep their cars clean – but dog fouling is a constant irritant.”
An animal rights campaigner - named Lola Forpi (think about it) – was also quoted for being critical of the new invention.
Any eagle-eyed Metro readers will also have spotted the graphic to illustrate the device was supplied by Jonathan Bulezuik from a company called Allfools.
The hoax story is the latest from BMW in a historic long line of April Fools stories. Previous stories included unveiling a car that would flash a “Move Over” message at motors holding up traffic.
Another involved a new paint which would make a speeding car undetectable to speed traffic cameras.
The same edition of the Metro newspaper also featured a one-off April Fools ' Day advert for Guinness.
It reversed the famous image of black stout in a paint glass with a creamy head and was accompanied by the headline, “For one day only.”
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