Speedy snails 'cause dog disease'

Snails fitted with LEDs or painted with a UV coating have shown scientists they are fast enough to explore the length of the average UK garden in the space of a night.

After fitting the snails with the devices, researchers tracked their movements over 24 hours, discovering they can reach speeds of up one metre per hour.

But scientists also think the gastropods may be carrying a parasite that causes lungworm in dogs, who often accidentally eat the creatures in the garden or on their toys.

Mike Sergeant reports.