East Cambridgeshire District Council has spent more than £8,000 on kennelling 73 stray dogs so far this year. 

Figures analysed by this newspaper have revealed the council's monthly payment to Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire.

The month-by-month expenditure is below:

  • January - £675 
  • February - £665
  • March - £675
  • April - £675
  • May - £675
  • June - £2227
  • July - £804
  • August - £804
  • September - £804

A spokesperson for East Cambridgeshire District Council said: "The council has a five-year contract with Woodgreen to provide all our stray dog kennelling, care (including veterinary treatment) and rehoming requirements, irrespective of stray numbers taken to them.

"The contract also includes a 24 hour reception facility for dropping off stray dogs and for owners to collect their dogs."

The council also confirmed the reason for the increased charge in June: "This was because Woodgreen had previously failed to invoice the council for the additional CPIH annual percentage cost increases that are contained within the terms of the contract.

"The increased payment was to cover this deficit once it had been identified."

The council also revealed that the number of stray dogs it has kenneled so far this year is 73.

"This is a slight increase on previous years," said the spokesperson.

"However, sadly only 11 dogs have been reclaimed by their owners which is a huge drop from previous years."

The council added that almost half (33) of the stray dogs found in East Cambs were lurcher type dogs, and there are several currently at Wood Green waiting for new homes.

"There is no specific ‘hotspot’ for stray dogs," the council spokesperson confirmed.