A PUB landlord is hoping to call time on stray pets being put down by launching a new charity.

Stuart Neil, landlord of The Victoria, in Witton-le-Wear, is planning to set up Strayaid to help stray dogs and cats in County Durham.

Stray dogs collected by a council need only be held for seven days, and can then be put down if they have not been returned to their owners, re-homed or rescued by a charity.

Mr Neil's organisation would aim to intercept stray dogs after they have been held for the required time and before they are sent for destruction.

The dogs would be held in safe accommodation until they could be re-homed.

Mr Neil said: "Strayaid, working alongside other organisations, will ensure that all the dogs that it is able to re-home will be checked by a veterinary surgeon, fully vaccinated, and treated for fleas and worms.

"Although many people believe that they can do little as individuals to help these unfortunate animals, we believe that if enough people get together with enough resources, you can make a real difference."

He is looking for volunteers and people to become members of Strayaid. Standard membership is £26. All funds raised will be used to help create the new charity.

For application forms, write to or visit The Victoria, School Street, Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, DL14 0AS.