A WORCESTERSHIRE dog warden who claimed the increasing number of strays could result in some being destroyed has come under fire from RSPCA members.

Pip Singleton, dog warden for Wychavon District Council, claimed a 100 per cent increase in stray dogs had resulted in a chronic shortage of space at the kennels.

Currently, dogs are taken to the Canine Defence League at Wickhamford, near Evesham, and Danemere Animal Rescue at Tibberton.

Ms Singleton told the Evening News last month that the situation was so bad the council could change its non-destruction policy if there was nowhere to keep them.

But she has now come under attack after allegedly insinuating the Worcester branch of the RSPCA could also change its non-destruction policy.

Geraldine Haynes, of the Worcester branch, said the warden's remarks were wrong and could lose the charity vital support.

"If people thought we were putting dogs down because of shortage of space we'd lose supporters," she said.

"As a charity we don't take in stray dogs from the warden. We only take animals whose owners can't look after them because of illness or change in circumstances. But we are also full at the moment.

"The only time we destroy a dog is when we're told by a vet it would be kinder because of illness or injury."

But Ms Singleton said she did not intend to give the impression Danemere, the RSPCA or the Canine Defence League would start destroying dogs.

"It's only Wychavon District Council which could change its policy," she said.

"We're responsible for looking after dogs for the first seven days, but after that we have to find a charity to take them or adopt them ourselves.

"I've fought tooth and nail to stop this policy being changed but the council could override me as the kennels are full.

"We may be accused of being cruel, but it's those who abandon their dogs who are the cruel ones.

"I'd hate to see this happen and if more people could come forward we wouldn't have a problem."

Anyone interested in adopting a dog should contact the National Canine Defence League on 01386 830613, Danemere Kennels on 01905 345655, or the RSPCA re-homing officer on 01905 610636.