Fears of stray dogs left to roam the streets after law change

Apr 4 2008 By Steve Hayes

STRAY dogs could be left roaming the streets of Birmingham due to a change in the law which comes into effect this weekend.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, local authorities will be the only organisations allowed to take in stray dogs.

Until now, police stations had been able to house strays which were reported to them, but as of next week the responsibility will lie with Birmingham City Council.

Various animal rights groups, including the RSPCA and The Blue Cross, have voiced concerns about the effects of the new law.

Gemma Collins, assistant manager at Birmingham dog's home, said they received dogs from the police "on a daily basis" and particularly at weekends when the number could be as high as ten.

She said: "The worry is where are they going to go? Are they going to be roaming the streets?

"Some of the dogs we get have skin complaints and need immediate treatment by a vet as well, so if they are on the streets for longer it may make that worse."

A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said the provision for stray dogs will be increased, with more wardens and an extended service to cover weekends and bank holidays.

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f=XZapfDingbatsno TAKEN IN... but Birmingham dog's home fears strays could be left roaming with the change in the law.