Increasing number of abandoned dogs puts strain on kennels
A KENNEL crisis is looming in the Isle, as owners dump their dogs, and their responsibilities, on roadsides.
Increasing numbers of abandoned dogs are left to fend for themselves in the coldest months of the year.
Paul and Sally Greenfield’s rescue kennels, that serves all North Lincolnshire including the Isle, has never been so strained.
“Our 24 kennels are full,” said Paul, 51, who juggles his days caring for dogs, re-homing and liaising with other rescues.
As he spoke to the Bells, he admitted a confused Jack Russell found in Studcross, Epworth. They also have a Pomeranian and a black Labrador, again from the Isle.
The tri-colour Jack Russell had three collars on but no tag or chip.
“We never put a healthy dog down,” said Paul. “Each dog is funded by the council for eight days and then the financial weight falls on us.
“I just sent a Dobermann to a breed rescue in Aberdeen, to release us a kennel.
“Staffies are a problem. After a while they self-harm and become aggressive.
“We rarely know dogs’ backgrounds so breeds like this are hard to place.”
But they have good days – a microchipped husky found in the Isle was reunited with its owners after being stolen six years ago.
Paul and Sally work long days, despite Paul having lost a leg in an accident, and Sally being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Paul’s compensation allowed them to start Sangreat kennels in in Scawby Brook, that also has a boarding side.
“We deal with 800 dogs a year, and get quite a few from areas like Epworth, Haxey, Crowle and Sandtoft. At Christmas people brought dogs here because they said relatives were going round,” said Paul.
“We microchip all dogs, and offer neutering vouchers to owners. But this is the most stretched we’ve ever been.”
A North Lincolnshire Council dog warden service spokesman said: “There are less people coming forward reclaiming lost dogs or wanting to re-home dogs because of the costs involved.”
Anyone who can provide a good home for a stray should contact Sangreat on 01652 652453. Contact the council’s dog wardens on 01724 297000.
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