THE number of stray dogs caught annually on the streets of Bolton and returned to their owners has seen a massive drop - from over 2,000 five years ago to just 229 this year.

And there was more good news for strays as the Destitute Animal Shelter re-homed a record 712 dogs.

Only around 85 dogs taken to the shelter were not re-homed or reclaimed, according to a five year stray dog control review presented to local councillors.

Neil Martin from the Destitute Animal Shelter said that the majority of those strays were transferred to other rescues, especially for pedigree dogs.

He also said that the number of dogs re-homed has been increasing every year.

But he warned: "It can't continue forever, we are at full capacity.

"But we refuse to accept the alternative - we will not put an animal to sleep unless it is absolutely necessary."

Environment and consumer sub-committee members also heard that more people nowadays take strays directly to the shelter themselves.

According to Neil Martin, this is due to an increasing number of people from outside Bolton finding their way to the shelter.

At the moment Bolton has two dog wardens, employed by a private company, who carry out the council's duty to seize roaming dogs, which are then kennelled at the shelter.

Owners wishing to reclaim a dog from there are charged a £25 fixed penalty and £25 for handling and kennelling costs.

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