'Perfect storm' puts 25 Dogs Trust jobs at risk at North Devon centre

DOGS Trust Ilfracombe could be transformed into a dedicated fostering hub under new proposals announced by the UK's largest dog welfare charity - a move that would place 25 jobs at risk of redundancy.

- by ABIGAIL NEEP

The charity is currently undergoing a collective consultation period as part of a wider organisational restructure, including the North Devon site.

If plans go ahead, Ilfracombe will reduce its kennel capacity and expand its fostering network, retaining 13 roles at the site to support the transition.

The move is part of a wider organisational overhaul in response to what Dogs Trust describes as a "perfect storm" affecting dog welfare in the UK.

Following the pandemic the charity says it has seen an increase in unwanted behaviours, adding pressure to the charity.

Owen Sharp, CEO at Dogs Trust, said, "We have been living through unprecedented times. The pandemic changed the dog population, and the cost-of-living crisis has brought continuing pressures and uncertainty for dog owners."