HUNDREDS of grumpy dogs and sickly cats across York are now being treated with acupuncture and other alternative therapies due to the success of a network of complementary therapists.

Poorly pets in the city are being offered healing, homeopathy and acupuncture for a range of ailments including phobias, and grief after losing a fellow pet.

Holistic Pets is run by a network of practitioners, including vets, and offers help where conventional therapies are unsuccessful.

It was launched last year and has seen an increase in clients and in therapists. A quarterly newsletter is now sent out and regular talks and workshops are also arranged.

Holistic Pets therapist Rowena Field, who offers cranio-sacral therapy - the use of flower essences to focus on the cerebral fluid around the brain and spinal cord - said any pet would benefit from treatment, but only in combination with conventional medicine.

Rowena, of Huntington Road, said: "I usually see cats and dogs and horses, but I have treated my hen. I do have a snake and although I haven't treated it yet there's no reason why I couldn't.

"I usually treat behavioural problems, because it is those that tend to have no conventional treatment.

"It can be anything such as grumpy dogs, or those that are frightened of loud noises. But it could be birds or reptiles.

"The important thing is that these treatments are not instead of veterinary attention. It's important to go to the vet because there may be circumstances when conventional treatment is more appropriate."

For more information or to join the network of therapists, phone Rowena Field on 01904 656504.

Updated: 09:40 Friday, March 28, 2003