IT was a big disappointment to me to learn that there was no dog warden service in our town over the Christmas holiday.

Upon ringing the service number, one hears a recorded message stating that there is no dog warden available from 1pm on Christmas Eve until Tuesday, January 2 and strays should be taken to Leigh Cats and Dogs Home.

Leigh is certainly not in our borough. Transport is needed and money for fuel and time (which is precious over the busy holiday).

This is at a notorious time of year when pets are dumped and animal refuges and sanctuaries are over-stretched.

Surely some sort of skeleton service could be provided even over Christmas.

I had thought that people working with animals would be caring and conscientious.

Concerned about cruelty (name and address supplied).