Here is copy of a letter received from Dogs Trust.

Dogs Trust is asking for your help. Please read this and help us to ensure that stray dogs in this country are given the care and attention they deserve.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill is currently proceeding through Parliament. One part of the Bill deals with stray dogs. Currently the responsibility for dealing with more than 100,000 dogs which stray every year is split between the Local Authority (usually the District Council Dog Warden) and the police. In most areas the dog warden works from 9-5, Monday to Friday (normal working hours) and the police cover the rest of the week. Not surprisingly, a very significant proportion of dogs stray outside normal working hours as that is when most dogs are exercised by working owners. One Local Authority told Dogs Trust that over 50% of stray dogs are reported out of normal working hours.

The Bill proposes to remove all responsibility from the police for dealing with strays. Dogs Trust supports this in principle but is concerned that Local Authorities will not provide an adequate service out of hours because there will be insufficient funding to do so and because many regard animal welfare as a low priority.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive and Chris Laurence, Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, have been to see the Minister responsible, Alun Michael, and made him aware of the issue. He has given an assurance that there will be a transfer of funds and the Bill has been amended to prevent the relevant clause becoming effective until that has taken place. However he has refused to accept an amendment that makes it absolutely clear that Local Authorities must provide some facility available 24 hours a day to deal with stray dogs.

Dogs Trust fears that the failure to include in the Bill the duty of Local Authorities to provide a full service will mean that some do not do so. The consequence would be that more dogs suffer and possibly even die as a result of straying.

The Bill has now passed from the House of Commons to the House of Lords so there is still time to amend it. Dogs Trust, with others, will be attempting again to have it amended.

You can help by e-mailing the Minister on: alun.michael@defra.gsi.gov.uk and telling him that you believe there should be a clear duty on Local Authorities to provide a 24 hour facility on the face of the Bill.

Please do it now - time is short.

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