FEARS are mounting today as councillors meet to decide on the future of Southampton's dog kennels and animal welfare service.

Southampton City Council will be meeting to make their final decision on the closure of Warren Avenue Dog Kennels, the city’s only dog pound, as well as potentially cutting five jobs.

The council claims the pound looks after 450 dogs a year from across Southampton, Test Valley and the New Forest, although supporters say that number is closer to 1,000.

It has been proposed that the kennels will close by April 1 next year, resulting in savings of £40,000 a year.

Council documents suggest selling the site could net the authority up to £400,000.

Resident Jayne Layson, from Upper Shirley, said: “It’s terrible, I am really concerned about the welfare of these animals. Southampton is a big city and we need somewhere to keep our dogs safe. I can’t believe that residents haven’t been told more about this.”

Cabinet members will be looking at alternatives, such as retaining a single Animal Welfare Officer to refer animals onto private boarding kennels.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Councillor Jacqui Rayment, who is responsible for animal welfare as the Cabinet member for environment, said she did not have enough information about the potential closure to discuss the issue.

She said: “Legislation has changed on how to care for dogs in general and we have been working in partnership with other local authorities, we are all in the same boat and we are looking at still providing the service.”

The full Cabinet meeting will be held in the Civic Centre from 4.30pm today and will be open to the public.