Lost dogs, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour - are drones the answer?

Drones could be used to crackdown on fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour in mid Wales.

Ceredigion council has asked the public for ideas on what drones can be used for, which could also include finding abandoned dogs and pollution.

Councillors believe they could be a "valuable tool", and would be paid for by the Police and Crime Commissioner's office.

Councillor Matthew Vaux, cabinet member for partnerships, housing, legal and governance and public protection, said: "Drones can be a valuable tool in improving public safety and supporting enforcement, but we understand that transparency, trust and safeguards for the public are essential."

The report highlights a number of scenarios where drones could be effective, including:

• Enforcing crackdowns on anti-social behaviour, where protection orders apply
• Monitoring pollution incidents and fly-tipping
• Detecting illegally disposed of animal carcasses
• Finding abandoned dogs
• Helping investigate dangerous structures
• Carrying out large rural site inspections
• Monitoring exclusion areas during animal disease outbreaks

The consultation, on the council's website, runs until 14 January 2026.