Editorial: Makeover at pound for pups

Hastings pound manager John Payne, with one of the adoptable dogs at their new pound facility.

A facility once labelled a "canine concentration camp" has been given a makeover.

Gone are the dark, damp concrete cages.

In their place sit larger, lighter cages with beds raised off the ground. Overhead, windows allow light to shine into the complex.

A sloped floor and drainage prevents water from pooling and a hygienic surface stops the spread of disease.

Outside there are two large pens where dogs can exercise, play with toys and interact with other dogs.

It is a huge improvement - and one that was needed.

The days of porous concrete that soaked up chemicals and possibly spread disease among the dogs are long gone.

Five dogs had to be put down last year after an outbreak of parvovirus.

The upgraded pound fit with 26 cages should be completed in six weeks. It should go some way to improving the council's reputation for substandard treatment of our four-legged residents.

Last year dog owners also claimed the council's dog-control methods were too strict and disadvantaged responsible owners.

The concerns led to the council commissioning an independent review of its animal control unit which resulted in a number of changes to dog-policing policies and the operation of the Hastings pound.

Hastings District Council has stepped up its game with regard to dog control and re-homing policies. Of the dogs not claimed by their owners this year only three considered suitable family pets were put down because they had nowhere to go.

It is now becoming a viable option to adopt from the pound and a place people are encouraged to visit in the search for a four-legged friend.