DOG owners in Hartlebury have been urged not to abandon their animals after the number of stray hounds in Wychavon reached crisis point.

Wychavon District Council may even be forced to abandon its non-destruction policy of dogs if the situation does not improve.

The plea comes from council dog warden Pip Singleton who has seen almost a 100 per cent increase in the number of strays in the area.

She blamed the outbreak of foot and mouth disease for the problem, which has seen the council find between one and three dogs a week in Hartlebury since the crisis began.

She said: "More dogs than usual are being abandoned as some owners have become increasingly frustrated at the limited places they can walk their pets due to footpath closures in rural areas.

"In addition, the volume of people coming forward to offer homes to abandoned dogs has fallen dramatically."

She added: "I plead with owners to be patient and not to abandon their animals."

Struggling dog owners and anyone who wants to offer a home for an abandoned animal can contact her on 01386 565249.