A special sheepdog rescue service has been established for farmers with flocks slaughtered as a result of foot and mouth disease.

A number of dogs have been culled along with cattle around the country, including two in North Yorkshire, for fear they may spread the disease.

But the charity Border Collie Rescue, based at Richmond, North Yorkshire, has set up a registration system for sheepdogs which face being destroyed following the loss of flocks.

Although it is not Government policy to destroy dogs, some farmers concerned about the possible spread of the disease have chosen to have the animals put down.

Mike Cooke of Border Collie Rescue said: "Liasing with the MAFF veterinary officer in charge of each case, we will arrange for the disinfection of these dogs, removal from farms and placing in quarantine for three weeks before they are assessed and offered for rehousing. Most will go to another working environment, either on a farm or to police, search and rescue or another public service."

The scheme has full Government support, with information provided through web links between MAFF and the charity.

Animal rights and Green Party activists, protesting outside the National Farmers' Union's York office recently held banners showing their disgust at the news that some farmers are having their sheep dogs put down.

Alan Robertshaw, of York Animal Aid, said: "It seems to typify farmers' attitudes to animals that as soon as the animal is not being productive they are not prepared to keep it any more.

"We're not happy about that as an animal rights issue.

"There is a sheep dog rescue centre and, anyway, how much does it cost to keep and exercise a dog. Most people manage it."

Rob Simpson, from the NFU, said: "One or two farmers are concerned that sheepdogs could carry the disease on to other farms or new livestock, when it is introduced. One or two dogs have been put down by Government vets. The advice that we have consistently given to farmers is that, provided they are disinfected properly and isolated from other farms for a number of weeks, they should pose no threat and the vast majority of farmers have kept their dogs.

"They are working dogs and if they are not able to work they can get destructive. They're not family pets and if a farmer can't provide that work there are charities that can home these dogs including Border Collie Rescue, in Richmond."

Further details can be found at Border Collie Rescue on 01748 850025 or at www.bordercollierescue.org.

Updated: 08:38 Thursday, April 26, 2001