Story by: TOM JACKSON THEY might be known to most as man s best friends, but every summer hundreds of dogs are found astray on the streets of Fenland. Up to 15 dogs are being abandoned every week and, with not as many dogs finding homes, Fenland District

Story by: TOM JACKSON

THEY might be known to most as man's best friends, but every summer hundreds of dogs are found astray on the streets of Fenland.

Up to 15 dogs are being abandoned every week and, with not as many dogs finding homes, Fenland District Council's contract kennels is struggling to cope with the epidemic.

The council has now launched an appeal to find dog lovers, who can offer these pooches a loving new home.

Councillor Peter Murphy, the council's portfolio holder with responsibility for stray dogs, said: "There are some lovely dogs currently being looked after at our contract kennels and I would urge anyone who has the time and the room to look after one of these animals to consider giving one of them a home."

Under the Environmental Protection Act, the council has a duty to collect and detain all stray dogs. It also has the power to re-home the dogs if they remain unclaimed after seven days in the kennels.

However, a dog may be put to sleep if ill-health or poor temperament makes it unsuitable to re-home.

Genuinely lost dogs could also be returned to their owners, but many do not have a collar with their addresses on or micro-chip identification under the skin.

In July alone more than 30 abandoned dogs, many with no form of identification, were picked up as strays by the council's dog warden.

The contract kennels is currently looking after more than 40 dogs and is struggling to find homes for them before more stray dogs are brought in.

Tejaycey Boarding Kennels, in Wisbech, the council's contract kennels, is currently home to all sorts of dogs including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a spaniel and a German shepherd.

Claire Palmer, of Tejaycey, said: "I have been here for six years and this is the worst year I have ever known for finding stray dogs.

"We have only got space here for a few more dogs, so we urgently need to find some of these dogs a new home."

INFORMATION: Tejaycey is open for viewing from 11am-3pm, and to phone calls from 9am-5pm, seven days a week.

Re-homing a dog costs £60, with all dogs micro-chipped and vaccinated against canine parvovirus. For more information, call 01945 583177.

To safeguard your dog from getting lost, the council offers a micro-chipping service for £15. For more details, contact the dog warden service on 01354 654321.