The amount of time stray dogs spend in police custody will be cut to a minimum thanks to to the generosity of a local veterinary centre.

Stray animals being brought into Stratford Police Station often had to spend time in kennels waiting for the arrival of a dog warden to take them onto more comfortable surroundings. However, this time is likely to be substantially reduced following the donation of scanning equipment by Avonvale Veterinary Centres, who work out of Warwick, Wellesbourne, Kenilworth and Southam.

The portable microchip scanner is being donated to Stratford Police so that animals that are brought to the police station can be scanned for their owner's details straight away. Officers can then contact the owner immediately thus minimising the time the animal has to be kept in kennels.

Russell Hall, director and principal vet from the newly refurbished Avonvale Veterinary Centre in Warwick Road, Wellesbourne, says, "These days most vets and rescue organisations advocate chipping, and carry out checking of dogs and cats for proof of ownership with their own scanners.

"I had always assumed that the police routinely scanned strays and injured animals brought into them and was amazed when one of our veterinary nurses, who is also a Special Constable with Stratford Police, explained this was not the case - due to lack of equipment!

"We looked into the possibility of donating a scanner and are delighted to be able to offer this equipment for use by the police."

Sergeant Lucy Sewell of Stratford Safer Neighbourhood team says, "We are extremely grateful to the Wellesbourne Avonvale Veterinary Centre for supplying the police with this microchip scanner.

"This will result in beloved pets avoiding a prolonged stay in our kennel and just one owner being re-united more quickly with their lost dog, cat, or even tortoise, is a benefit to all.

"The scanner will also enable us to identify dogs that have been stolen and ensure that they are returned to their owners."