Dogs and kennels II

I've recieved the following information regarding the crazy policy of having to collect your mutt from Stoke on Trent if he's lost....

Pre LGR any strays collected in the Crewe area, were taken to kennels in Haslington, where they were kept for up to 3 days, then collected by the City Dogs home in Stoke, and kept for the statutory period.

In Congleton a facility in Bosley was used, which fortunately was also a registered Kennelling facility, therefore, dogs could stay for the statutory period of seven days that we are required to undertake, before being re- homed where necessary. However the owners, decided to retire, deciding not to renew their contract with the council.

In Macclesfield, no kennelling facilities were provided, and dogs were taken direct to a dog’s home in Manchester, for the statutory seven day period, before being re homed, if unclaimed.

In April last year, the Police handed over their responsibility for stray dogs, to the local authority; this meant that the council had to provide an out of hours, reception centre, to allow members of the public to take stray animals to. The council does not operate a collection service, out of hours, or at weekends. Crewe continues to use the facility at Haslington, as they are currently tied into a contract, but the owners when asked, did not want to take on any more work.

Therefore, an advert was placed in the local press, asking for expressions of interest to provide this service to the residents of Congleton and Macclesfield. We received one reply, (but they were) not able to keep the dogs for the statutory period and act as a holding centre for up to three days, and are collected by the City dogs home as per Crewe.

As Crewe were already using the City Dogs home, to ensure we could deliver a harmonised service, on day one of Cheshire East, it was decided to send all dogs to this facility.

They collect the animal, which allows us to save on the dog warden’s time, and keep them for the statutory seven day period, for a one off, all inclusive cost.

This contract is for a twelve month period, and towards the end of this period, further expressions of interest will be sought. Hopefully, local providers will show some interest.

So essentially, no one in Cheshire will do it cheap enough. At least now we know.