MEET Titch, a happy little Jack Russell picked up by Poole’s dog wardens over Christmas.

Found wandering around alone, he is one of five dogs collected over the festive period that still haven’t been claimed, including some eight-week-old puppies.

But as the council’s three dog wardens never put stray dogs to sleep, he is in safe hands.

Last year, Dorset Police stopped taking responsibility for strays, putting the onus on councils.

Sarah Whitbourn, an animal health officer for 10 years, said: “I got a call on New Year’s Eve to say they’d found a stray and could I go and pick him up.

“It was very cold for him and he’s such an adorable lap dog.

“I went through the usual practice of checking for a microchip and seeing whether any phone calls have been made.”

First port of call is a holding kennel, then an overnight kennel. After eight days, dogs legally belong to the council so the wardens work closely with the Margaret Green Animal Rescue and Poole charity DAWG to find new homes.

“After Christmas we do get more strays,” Sarah added.

“There’s never a need to put a healthy dog down as we know lots of people and if they can’t help us out somebody will. Some breeds like Staffordshire bull terriers are hard to re-home here, but we know special charities around the country.”

Microchipping is included in the fee for collecting a lost dog, in case it goes missing again.

The team even won an RSPCA Gold Footprint Award for services to stray dogs in 2010.

Nikki Cooper, another animal health officer, said: “I would plead with people: just don’t abandon your dog. It’s stressful on them.

“First of all think long and hard before you buy a dog.

“Pick one that suits your lifestyle, not just because you like the look of it as it’s a lifetime commitment.

“Be responsible. Even better, choose a rescue dog.”

Five dogs were seized in East Dorset over the festive period. One, a lurcher that had reportedly been roaming loose for three weeks, was picked up on New Year’s Eve.

Animal health officers also deal with nuisance work, dog attacks, dog fouling complaints, licensing pet shops and any livestock coming into Poole’s port.

• To report the sighting of a stray dog in Poole, call 01202 261700 during office hours or call 0800 506050 out of hours.

In East Dorset District Council the number is 01202 886201.