A KENNELS manager has expressed concern at the impact new rules will have on stray dogs' welfare.

Local authorities, including South Tyneside Council, are now responsible for stray dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Police previously dealt with the animals during the night, and at weekends.

The change in the law has led to fears that local authorities will not be able to cope with the extra demand, and more dogs will be left wandering the streets.

Sarah Wilkinson, from West Hall Kennels in Cleadon Lane, Cleadon, said: "I'm not sure how it is going to work, as you can't expect kennels to be open 24 hours a day for people to be able to drop off dogs.

"The system we had with the police was working really well. The dog used to be picked up and taken to holding cells, where it used to be collected by the dog warden the next day.

"If people are going to be asked to keep a dog overnight, it could stop people from reporting strays, and if the dog is injured, it could have an impact on the animal's welfare."

An extra £4m has been allocated to councils in England and Wales to he
lp them deal with the issue.

Last year more than 105,000 strays were collected in England and Wales, with almost 8,000 of those being put down.

A spokesman for South Tyneside Council said: "We have made interim arrangements with My Pet Shop (formerly Triple A) dog kennels company, based in Follingsby Lane, West Boldon.

"It will receive stray dogs out of normal working hours, but not on Saturdays.

"During normal working hours our arrangements will continue, with the dog wardens collecting stray dogs and taking them to our contracted kennels, West Hall, in Cleadon Lane, Cleadon.

"These kennels will also take in stray dogs on Saturdays, between 8am and 5.30pm.

"We are piloting the arrangements for two months, after which time we will conduct a review.

"Members of the public can contact the environmental health team out of hours on 427 2090 for further information."

source: the shields gazette