A bizarre drone designed to take the hassle out of walking your dog is being advertised by an online retailer.
Drones Direct say that they have modified a popular automated aerial vehicle to allow owners to take their pet for a stroll completely hands free.
The device uses GPS to lead dogs along a programmed route.
Their DJI Phantom 4 Dog Drone, which the firm insists is a genuine product, costs twice the price of the regular model at ￡1,999.
Drones Direct say that the gadget will allow owners to text or sit on a park bench whilst keeping an eye on their pets on their daily walk.
Owners simply set the desired walking route via their smartphone and set off, with the drone following a set GPS route and returning home on its own.
The company claim to have installed built-in collision avoidance and an automated altitude ability, to ensure the flying Dog Drone can navigate obstacles.
Mark Kelly, marketing manager at the site, said: 'Following the success of our Cat Drone, we didn't feel it was fair to forget our canine friends.
'The launch of the innovative Dog Drone is a great alternative for pet owners who lead busy lives by giving the option of hands-free walking.
'This handy piece of tech means dogs have a companion by their side whilst getting the exercise and enjoying the fresh outdoor air they so desperately need on a daily basis.
'This is a one-of-a-kind canine companion, which we are delighted to offer to all dog lovers.'
There would seem to be a number of potential problems that could face the drone.
Many dogs are likely to be scared of it and try to escape or attack it.
The drone is also unlikely to be able to accurately detect when your pet stops, which could mean it is dragged along unwillingly.
It's illegal for a drone to go out of view, which means you will need to follow closely.
While the drone itself can avoid obstacles, the lead could present a collision risk to other people and objects.
The drone is not available online, so anyone interested in buying one will have to travel to a Huddersfield showroom.