7:00am Saturday 20th December 2008
By Sophie Edwards
THE NUMBER of dogs being dumped in south Essex has rocketed.
It is believed canines are deliberately being let loose by owners struggling to pay for them during the credit crunch.
The amount of homeless dogs has nearly doubled from 85 between April and October last year to 144 this year.
Kennels are nearly full, while animal charities are finding it more difficult than ever to find new homes for the animals.
Bonita Boddie, a volunteer at the Southend branch of the RSPCA, warned some dogs may have to be put down as animal shelters struggle to cope this Christmas.
She said: “We’ve only got room for four dogs at the branch, so I have the puppies at home with me and some friends will take the older dogs for a night or two.
“But if they don’t go we will have to put them to sleep. It’s a last resort for me because I love dogs.”
Tony Ball, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said the problem was due to families feeling the economic downturn.
He said: “This is a disturbing trend which is likely to worsen over Christmas.
“Owners are letting their dogs loose on the street because they can no longer afford to keep them.”
Chris Cronin, owner of Lynton Kennels, in Lower Dunton Road, Laindon, agreed with Mr Ball.
He said: “More dogs are coming to us, which we can only explain by the credit crunch.
“People could be finding it harder to pay their household bills and their dogs are one of the first expenses to go.”
However Mrs Boddie, 53, said financial problems or not, there was no excuse for dumping dogs, and said much of the blame lay with breeders and unsuitable owners.
She said: “I don’t think anyone cares any more. I know people are hard up, but they need to take responsibility for their dogs.
“The breeders should take the unwanted ones back.”
Usually, the council deals with abandoned dogs through its dog warden service which picks up stray dogs found on the streets and takes them to privately run kennels where their owners can claim them.
However, Mr Ball said the council would be tough on anyone found to have deliberately let their dog loose and they could face prosecution.
To home a dog from Lynton, call 01268 545925.
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