DOG wardens are stepping up their efforts to protect animals as a council pledges to back The Northern Echo's Animal Watch campaign.

Darlington Borough Council has agreed to lend its full support to the campaign which was launched in an attempt to rid the region of its appalling reputation for animal cruelty.

Dog wardens are stepping up patrols, offering a cost-price microchipping service, are there to offer advice on animal care and respond to any complaints of neglect or cruelty.

Council leader John Williams said: "The council is delighted to support The Northern Echo's Animal Watch campaign.

"We are very keen to promote animal welfare and responsible dog ownership. There is no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner. I am confident that the majority in Darlington are responsible but we want to increase awareness."

Last year 758 stray dogs were picked up on the streets of Darlington and only 140 were claimed by their owners. Strays are often abused by the public, can spread disease, scavenge for food which is bad for them and can attack people. Binmen were recently chased from a street by a rottweiler which had escaped from its home.

Strays are taken to the National Canine Defence League kennels at Sadberge and after seven days found new homes. None are destroyed, all are vaccinated and neutered.

To try to combat the problem of strays, the council is offering a service where an identity microchip is injected under the dog's skin for just £9. Ring (01325) 388582 for an appointment or advice. The chips are painless and the operation is carried out at the owner's home.

A number of cases of alleged cruelty in the town are also being investigated by the RSPCA.

Any suspicions should be passed on to the RSPCA. The national telephone line is (08705) 555999 for immediate incidents or information can be sent to the RSPCA, AnimalWatch, PO Box BR29, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 2XL.