Last updated at 16:32, Wednesday, 20 March 2013

STRAY dogs could face being destroyed as an animal charity reaches crisis point.

Anita Green, who runs the 30-year-old Barrow-based dog rescue service, is desperate for help because no-one is coming forward to offer homes to abandoned canines.

She said some dogs are simply thrown out on the streets because their owners fancy a newer model.

Mrs Green added that being stuck in kennels is extremely upsetting for the pets. One-year-old Belle recently had her tail amputated because she was chewing it as a result of being so stressed.

The majority of the dogs needing homes are larger breeds, including Staffordshire Bull Terrier crosses, American bull dogs and bull mastiff crosses.

Animal Refuge Furness has now reached its limit of 20 animals and cannot take in anymore.

The Barrow Borough Council Kennels on Walney can legally destroy any dogs that have not been claimed by their owners within seven days.

To prevent this happening Animal Refuge takes over all expenses for the animals until a home can be found.

It is costing the charity an average of £60 a day – or £1,200 a month – to look after the abandoned animals.

They raise the money through their charity shop in Emlyn Street, Barrow, though adoption fees for the animals, fundraising events and donations.

Mrs Green said: “Lots of the councils in Britain destroy the dogs after seven days. The dogs in the Barrow pound are safe because of the work we do and the funds we work tirelessly to raise.

“We have had some dogs since last summer and they desperately need loving homes. I think the cost of a dog is putting people off in the current economic climate.

“I want people to come and look at these dogs and give them homes. I want them to do this for the right reasons, not because they feel sorry for them.”

Mrs Green explained that after filling in a form and a home check dog lovers can very quickly have the new pet in their home. There is a fee of £70 but this covers the animal being spayed or neutered, vet checked, micro-chipped and a month’s free insurance.

Mrs Green said: “Some people treat the dogs as a commodity and simply get rid of them. We have one dog now that I know the owner let go and within two days had a brand new puppy.

“Luckily we have a council that will do all it can to prevent healthy animals being destroyed, but we need help.’’

If you want to home a dog or donate call 01229 474450. Animal Refuge Furness is on Facebook and has a website showing the dogs needing homes at animalrefugebarrow.com.

First published at 16:16, Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk