Caring for abused and abandoned dogs in Bolney

‘Nothing surprises’ owner of Wolstonbury Kennels Michelle Steer any more, as she continues to care for and rehome stray dogs in Bolney.

The kennels is the temporary home of 12 ‘lovely’ dogs which were found as strays, in need of a new owner.

There are gentle, docile lurchers, a feisty, playful Jack Russell and cute and cuddly terrier puppies.

Passionate about her work, Michelle wondered: “Nobody needs to own a dog, nobody is made to have one, if you don’t want one why would you have one? It’s so unintelligent.”

The kennels look after dogs brought in by Brighton and Hove City Council.

Many strays are found tied up near Brighton railway and police stations.

“Some have been tied up in a graveyard, sometimes they’re just let out,” Michelle explained.

“We’ve seen video from motorway cameras of people driving down the A23 and rolling them out of their boot while driving along, why would you do that?

“We had a Whippet covered in cigarette burns, a deaf and blind Alsatian called William who was dumped, can you imagine being deaf, blind and dumped? Nothing surprises me any more.”

The kennels take in as many dogs as they can and, as long as they are not dangerous, always keep a stray until it finds a new family.

An older Staffordshire Terrier, Humprey, was found covered in cement.

“I thought he was a builders dog but he was never claimed. When they’re older they’re harder to rehome.

“Humphrey could be perfect for a retired person. He’s clean, easy, a nice dog, and not aggressive. Staffys have had a bad press recently, but we have never had a problem with one, ours are lovely.”

The kennels has space for 40 dogs, six of which are for strays, but they sometimes have as many as 16.

Michelle continued: “An abundance of people leave their dogs.

“Last week we had 15, just in one city. At Christmas people buy them as presents and in February and March they realise that puppies poo!

“It’s easy come easy go, it’s awful.”

“When a couple is divorced they take the dog and leave it, use it as a pawn, it’s one step behind using children.”

Michelle reassures all dogs are safe and put through a series of tests to ensure they are suitable for a potential family.

Sadly, not all dogs are as some need to be euthanised.

Wolstonbury’s owner continued: “In Brighton they never euthanise a decent dog, only if the dog is troubled. They have to put down aggressive dogs. We try to rehabilitate them but it’s difficult.”

She has had difficulties in the past with strays coming from dog fighting rings.

“The sad thing is, with banned breeds like American Pitbulls, I’ve had nice dogs over the years but now they have to be euthanised.

“You get to know them and they don’t put a foot wrong,” she added.

Chelsea Wyles also works at Wolstonbury Kennels.

She said: “All the dogs here at the moment are very nice. We keep them until they find a home like a rescue.”

Millie, a lurcher, ‘just wants to be curled up on the sofa’ and would be perfect for a retired couple.

Cyril, a Jack Russell and terrier Hunni Bunni, would be ‘lovely with children’.

If you’re interesting in adopting a dog contact Sue Watson on 01273 292446.