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A LEADING figure in Thurrock's animal welfare trust has raised concerns about the Council taking responsibility for stray dogs.

Thurrock Branch Secretary of the National Animal Welfare Trust, Gloria Abbott is worried about people no longer being able to take the dogs to their local police station.

People will have to wait until the dog warden, Michael Knight of Wickford-based Gemini Kennels, arrives.

Mrs Abbott said: "I have a lot of admiration for Michael Knight at Gemini but my fear is that one man can't physically get out to all the stray dogs at once. He is only human and I know he will do his best but it is unfortunate that there is not going to be a holding base in Thurrock.

"What if he is called out about one dog and then someone calls about another dog in Thurrock at the same time?

"There could be stray dogs running all around Thurrock."

Thurrock Council are to take full responsibility for all the stray dogs in the borough from Sunday, April 6.

This means people should no longer phone the police unless the dog is considered to be dangerous or worrying livestock.

Currently anyone who reports a stray dog is able to take it to their local police station, but with the council taking over responsibility, this is no longer an option.

Mrs Abbott says the trust is now receiving more calls than ever about stray dogs from people who don't know what to do with them, and soon the only advice she will be able to give them is to call the Council.

Once a stray is reported to the council they will then arrange to pick it up and are obligated to kennel the stray for a minimum of seven days.

Any finder of a stray dog has a duty to return the dog to its owner if identified or take the dog to the local council.

Council spokesperson, Andy Lever, said: "It is not Thurrock Council's policy to put down stray dogs after seven-days.

"Animals will only be euthanized where the animal is in considerable pain or distress after consulting with a veterinary surgeon and this will only be conducted by a vet, causing as little pain and suffering as possible."

Facts about the new system of dealing with stray dogs:

Anybody who finds and takes a stray dog to the Council can ask to keep it.

If you find a stray dog or wish to report a stray you must contact Thurrock Council on 01375 652955, Monday to Friday (8am to 5pm); 01375 372468, Monday to Friday (5pm to 8am); or 01375 372468, on weekends and bank holidays (24 hours).

6:16pm Friday 28th March 2008

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