AN ANIMAL adoption centre has had to cancel its major fundraising event after an outbreak of kennel cough.

The Blue Cross animal shelter, at Topcliffe, near Thirsk was due to host its annual open day on Sunday.

It is the centre's main fundraising event held every year and usually includes a dog show, cat photographic competition, tombola and raffle.

Centre manager, Mrs Wendy Ellison, said the centre would lose out on fundraising but she and the staff were more worried about letting people down.

She said: "We are sorry to disappoint all our supporters and helpers because a lot of people prepare for it well in advance by bringing us things for the day."

Although the epidemic is virtually cleared the centre does not want to risk the chance of it spreading to pets that are brought to the show on the day.

"The day usually attracts hundreds of dogs and we can't risk them catching the infection. It is not serious in itself it's just contagious. It has been a very bad year for kennel cough in our area according to our vets, " said Mrs Ellison.

The dog show itself is usually organised by Ripon Dog Training Society and due to commitments it is unable to re-schedule the event.

There will be another dog show later in the year .