A SCHEME has been launched to find a permanent home for every stray dog arriving at a kennels' complex.

The Dogs' Trust charity is providing the backing for Deerness Kennels, at Langley Moor, near Durham, as part of the Action for Strays initiative.

Organisers are aiming at a policy of not putting strays arriving at the kennels "on death row", with the prospect of having to be put down as no potential new owner has come forward.

Pauline Bartlett, of the Durham and district branch of the RSPCA, said the scheme should provide a lifeline for all strays.

"It's something that has been in the pipeline at the kennels for a few months now, and it's ready to get up and running now with the help of the Dogs' Trust.

"It means every dog reaching the kennels will be neutered, vaccinated, de-flead, wormed and microchipped.

"There will be a £70 charge for this, but it will drop to £48 if the new owner has their own vet."

Among the first arrivals at the kennels, in Mill Lane, to benefit from the scheme is Sugar, a small whippet bitch who is receiving the various treatments.

She should be ready if someone comes along to offer her a new home in coming days.

Further details are available from Kevin or Linda Forsyth, at the kennels, on 0191-378-0439.