April 1, 2021
The City of Lawrence recently deployed a team of dachshunds* to inspect underground pipe infrastructure, including the water, wastewater and stormwater systems. The dachshund team, which will be formally called the “Doxie Pipe Crew,” is thought to be the first of its kind in the world.
The Doxie Pipe Crew is a five-dog crew serving the Municipal Services & Operations Department on a full-time basis. The dachshunds, Harley, Jack, Eugene, Bella and Penny, will help the City gain a better understanding of its underground pipe infrastructure and be an integral part of the City’s asset management planning.
The dachshund’s unique shape is perfectly suited for pipe inspection, allowing them to fit into even the smallest pipes with ease. Department staff will strap body cameras on specially-designed harnesses for the dachshunds to have video record of pipe condition. The dachshunds have been trained to give preliminary feedback of pipe condition through barking, allowing staff to mark areas of poor condition for further inspection before reviewing the video.
The dachshunds agreed to work for treats and scratches. They also negotiated a small health care plan that provides for annual shots and routine veterinary checkups.
It is expected that the Doxie Pipe Crew will be able to fully inspect all underground pipe systems within two years, concluding their tenure on April Fool’s Day, 2023.
Contact: Josh Carson, Public Information Officer, Municipal Services & Operations – jcarson@www.lawrenceks.org | 785-832-7822
*All featured dachshunds are beloved and spoiled pets of City staff. No dachshunds were harmed in the making of this April Fool’s Day story.