Scandal of dumped dogs (From Worcester News)

Scandal of dumped dogs

3:10pm Thursday 26th July 2012 in News

A LARGE number of stray dogs face death as a Worcester kennel is running at full capacity.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ kennel near St Peter’s, Worcester, is currently home to 19 dogs who facing the threat of being put down if help is not forthcoming.

The dog warden scheme, which collects strays from Malvern, Wyre Forest, Worcester, Wychavon, Redditch and Bromsgrove, runs an eight-day policy which would see the animals destroyed if they are not re-homed within that timescale.

Pip Singleton, a dog warden and animal welfare officer for the service, said the kennel has been filled in a single week, with 15 dogs coming in little more than 24 hours to hit its 19-capacity, and any help people can offer could avoid the grim prospect. Miss Singleton said: “Summer is always our busiest time but I have been in this job for 20 years and it has never been this bad. I am desperate. I did not get into this job to put dogs down.

“The problem is no one is coming forward and we are being put under pressure to put them to sleep. We want to plead to any animal lover for any compassion they can show.”

There is quite a range of breeds housed in the kennel, including Staffordshire bull terriers, German shepherds, rottweilers, lurchers, springer spaniels and bull mastiffs. Miss Singleton said help could come in the form of fostering, re-homing or even local animal rescue shelters.

“If someone has taken the time to look after these dogs, why would they then dump them and not claim them knowing they are at risk of being put down?” To offer help call 01527 881395.