COULD you provide a loving home to a dog for many years to come? If not, don't get one.
That's the tough message from dog wardens following a significant increase in the number of dogs being abandoned in the East Lindsey area.
Walkers Kennels, at Grainthorpe, near Louth, is almost at capacity, with both dogs and puppies needing new homes.
While it is important that these dogs are found caring and loving homes as soon as possible, potential owners are asked to make sure they are fully committed to looking after a dog.
East Lindsey District Council collects about 250 stray dogs each year, and houses them at Walkers.
Officers are expecting an increase in the number of animals during January, once the festive period is over.
Dog warden Becky Gravett said: "We always have lots of lovely dogs needing good homes and it's important when deciding to take on the responsibility of a dog that you take into account it is for the rest of its life – which could be 15 years or more.
"Potential owners need to be committed enough for the time, training and expense your dog will need for its lifetime.
"These dogs have already been let down at least once, so it's important we find them permanent, loving homes."
Bill Walker, who owns the kennels, added: "People dumping and leaving their dogs dramatically increased in the last months of 2012.
"We only have a few empty pens left so it is vital that these dogs are rehomed as soon as possible."
If you can offer a dog a good home, call Sue Garland on 01507 613550.
