DOG lovers in the region are paying a small fortune in vet bills after their pet returns from kennels, a survey has found.

According to research, one in ten dogs contracts an illness while in kennels.

The report by Direct Line Pet Insurance found that four per cent sustain an injury.

Kennels in Yorkshire came out bottom in the report.

A quarter of Yorkshire owners said their dog's kennel was dirty and their pet had not received enough exercise.

Almost a third said they felt their dog had not received enough attention during its stay.

Almost half of dog owners in the North-East and Yorkshire have left their pet in kennels.

Nationally, 300,000 dogs had to go to the vet as a result of a stay in kennels.

The average cost of treatment exceeded £150.

Direct Line is backing the introduction of the Animal Welfare Bill, which is being considered by Parliament.

The Bill aims to consolidate more than 20 pieces of legislation - some of which date back to 1911.

Chris Price, head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: "As a keen supporter of the Animal Welfare Bill, Direct Line is urging the Government to provide greater clarity regarding plans to regulate boarding kennels.

"We believe that better enforcement of standards should be made mandatory.

"We recommend that pet owners base their kennel selection on word-of-mouth from a friend or another trusted source."

Vet Peter Eastwick-Field said: "On average, we see one to two dogs a week in the practice during the summer months as a result of time spent in the kennels.

"Vomiting, diarrhoea and kennel cough are a few of the illnesses commonly related to boarding establishments."

* In December, about 70 dogs were found in filthy conditions at A1 Kennels and Cattery, in Brompton-on-Swale, near Catterick, North Yorkshire.

Police called in the RSPCA after someone reported seeing a stray dog near the A1.

The RSPCA said yesterday that no decision had been taken on whether anyone would be prosecuted in connection with the incident.