Spen Valley dog owners are being urged to be more responsible in looking after their pets.

More than 600 stray dogs a year - above the national average - are dealt with by the Kirklees Dog Warden Service.

Councillor David Payne, Cabinet member for Envir-onment and Transportation, said: "The dog warden service and the police have had to respond to several incidents over the last year as a result of a stray dog running in front of a car or savaging livestock.

"We want every dog owner in Kirklees to be responsible."

Stray dogs collected by the four dog wardens in Kirklees are taken directly to local kennels where they are kept for eight days. Owners have to pay to get their dogs back.

Dog owners must by law ensure their pet wears a collar and tag with their name and address on it.

Anyone who would like a dog warden to fit their dog with a microchip for £15 can ring (01484) 226883.