dog rescue centres - are there any standards?

[Oldred]

In the course of my search for a new dog I have been to a local 'rescue' centre. It is used by the local council for strays. I was horrified by the conditions and the procedures but don't know what to do about it.

Basically, the accommodation is awful. Housed in a small building with no access to outside light each cage/run is very small and basic. Just guessing size but maybe 3 ft wide by 6 fit deep. The dogs cannot see out (solid metal door up to halfway then bars and breeze block walls) and are housed mostly separately. The howling, barking and screaming is horrendous. Needless to say, no heating, no ventilation so stinks. The dogs are allowed to leave with only basic vaccination done. No home checks are done and anyone can arrive, see a dog and leave with it.

Everyone I mention it to locally agrees.... Yes, its a hell hole. But what can be done. Any one any ideas how to proceed in improving this situation.

 

[claire1976]

Sadly no, our local council kennels are the same. Dark, damp and dingy. No home checks done and they make up the adoption fee depending on what you look like and what type of dog it is.

 

[Oneofthepack]

I'm assuming this is what's known as a 'pound' rather than a rescue centre run by animal lovers? If the council are using it to house their strays then I'd kick up a big stink about how your council tax is being spent and a letter to the local paper maybe? But first I'd ask the rescue centre why the conditions are like this and see if perhaps some fundraising can be done to help them as they clearly need it.