A gorgeous dog in desperate need of a home - and known only as No 286 - faces a life of uncertainty. That is the stark reality faced by North Lincolnshire Council this Christmas. It is just one of 30 dogs council dog wardens picked up off the streets last month (November 2013).
The number of abandoned dogs is on the increase and with Christmas fast approaching, there has never been a more poignant reminder that pets are for life, not just for Christmas.
As many people face the credit crunch and can no longer afford to pay for the upkeep of their dogs, they are left out in the cold to face an uncertain future.
Christmas and the run-up to the festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for the dog warden service. It picks up unwanted dogs and takes them to its contracted 24/7 Stray Dog Reception Centre at Sangreat Kennels at Scawby Brook.
To help make their day special, the council is appealing to dog lovers to donate a present the size of a shoe box. This could include dog chews, collar and ID tag, leads, coats and blankets, canned dog food or bags of dried dog food.
People can leave their gifts at any local link or library in North Lincolnshire from now until until Tuesday, 24 December.
Of the 30 dogs picked up in November, only one had a collar and tag. It is vital that you ensure your dog has a collar and tag – the law requires it.
If you can give dog No 286 a home (black male), please get in touch with Sangreat Kennels on 01652 652453. For details of opening times and other dogs in need of a home, visit www.sangreat@hotmail.co.uk
Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg and Wolds), Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a very sad situation. We are meant to be a nation of dog lovers. But the stark reality is that many are not and are leaving their once beloved pets out in the cold. This could be because they can no longer afford to keep them for whatever reason. But some people just don’t care.
“There is a very serious message to our Santa Paws appeal and that is to think really hard before you buy a dog or any pet as a Christmas present. It may seem a good idea at the time, but they need time and money spending on them. You need to feed them, exercise them, vaccinate them, and be able to pay for any unforeseen vet bills and kennel fees when you go away. They are not toys, but living creatures.
“All too often, we end up picking up abandoned dogs from the streets and while we do our best to re-home them, this isn’t always possible – particularly if the dog is old or has health problems. This can put people off. Sadly, No 286 has no name and is in desperate need of a loving and caring home, having been in the kennels for two weeks. If you can help, please get in touch with Sangreat Kennels on 01652 652453 and make his Christmas wish come true.
“The Santa Paws appeal will hopefully bring a little Christmas cheer to these poor, helpless and vulnerable dogs facing an uncertain future. Please be generous and donate a gift. You can leave it at any local link or library.”
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