UNWANTED dogs in Wychavon are facing a death sentence after a 100 per cent increase in strays since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth.

Wychavon District Council warned it had reached crisis point and would have to start destroying the animals if people did not start offering them homes.

Warden Pip Singleton said there were only two spaces left at the National Canine Defence League and RSPCA kennels.

"I plead with dog owners to be patient and not to abandon their animals," she said.

"We understand how difficult it can be to find suitable places to walk dogs with the foot-and-mouth restrictions currently in place, but please do persevere."

Pip said she would offer advice to any dog owner who was struggling and becoming frustrated with the situation.

She can be contacted on 01386 565249.

"Also, people are not coming forward to offer homes to stray dogs because they think the kennels at NCDL and RSPCA are closed," she said.

"There are currently around 200 dogs waiting for people to come forward who can offer them good, caring homes."

Anyone who will consider giving a dog a home should contact the NCDL on 01386 830613 or the RSPCA on 01905 345655.