Brighton City Council are considering proposals to build new kennels and a cattery at Hangleton Bottom. At this moment most of Brighton and Hove’s strays are housed at Crawley, or by a private contractor in Hailsham for those found in the evenings or weekends. This council-run facility will prevent the complicated ferrying of local pets to one of the closest animal facilities in Crawley or Hailsham. It might also save the lives of psychologically damaged dogs who behave badly when their owners are at work, who would otherwise have to be put down.
The report, due to be considered by the council next Tuesday, states: “Currently provision is a mix of private providers based in Hailsham and Crawley. Journey times can be lengthy depending on the time of day and create stress for the animals during transit.”
“A kennelling facility in the city will reduce this by providing better journey times and less stress for animals. It will also free up officer time to rehabilitate abandoned dogs in our care with behaviour issues, reducing the need to euthanize them.”
“A facility in the city will mean a dog can be returned faster to its owner, reducing the cost to the council of over weekend stays. It will also reduce the stress on the animal being kennelled for a longer period of time.”
If the new animal shelter succeeds and is built, the council will finish the contract that stands with its current providers and employ a further five full time kennel staff, as well as volunteers and potentially apprentices from Plumpton College. It would have 14 kennels and 25 cattery units, as well as offices for the animal warden and pest control team.
The shelter would also be used by Adur and Worthing councils and the NHS, and would be employed as a shelter for any animals belonging to city residents who have been evacuated due to emergencies. It is hoped that the new facility will reduce its own cost by hiring spaces to the police, NHS and other councils, as well as the general public.
