Kerrie Milne from Clackmannan has started a petition to help safeguard Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter

After hearing fears that the Throsk-based facility could potentially be at risk of closure due to funding issues, she launched the online drive in a bid to help.

Kerrie Milne, from Clackmannan, and her family have been re-homing dogs from the shelter and showing support for the last 36 years.

It's a cause she feels strongly about and the mum-of-three believes it's a "special thing to be able to help and re-home a rescue dog".

She said: "I started this petition to support Bandeath and hopefully stop this closure.

"Bandeath is at the centre of stray dog welfare for this whole area. We have nowhere else. 

"So if it closes what's going to happen to the dogs? Would it get to [the] stage that healthy animals are being euthanised due to funding cuts?

"My family got our first dog from Bandeath six weeks before I was born in 1980. We have had numerous dogs since and like other people, they become family."

Those involved in Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter have said no decisions on its future have been taken.

It is run by Stirling Council, with support from Clackmannanshire Council, Falkirk Council and Police Scotland.

It holds the animals that have been found by police or councils in these three local authority areas and it helps reunite pets with their owners or re-home those with nowhere else to go.

A number of campaigns have also sprung up in response to the news that funding might be an issue, such as Help STOP the Closure of Bandeath Dog Shelter on Facebook and Save Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter on GoFundMe.

Clackmannanshire Council said that discussions were ongoing and stressed that no decisions have yet been made.

A spokesperson from Stirling Council said: "Bandeath Dog Shelter has been run in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council, Falkirk Council and Police Scotland for many years and, as such, is dependent on the commitment of all partners involved. 

"Unfortunately all of our partners have now given notice of their intention to withdraw from the partnership and we can confirm that this will take effect on 31 December this year. 

"Although no final decision has been reached regarding Bandeath, Stirling Council will ensure that we provide satisfactory arrangements for our stray dogs once the current arrangements end."

Stirling councillor, Danny Gibson, has also taken up the cause and has been engaging with the services' local partners.

He said: "As environment convenor I am determined to do everything possible to secure the future of Bandeath Dog Shelter as it is a hugely important and valued public service provided by Stirling Council to the Forth Valley area. 

"I have directly contacted Clackmannanshire Council, Police Scotland and Falkirk Council and asked that they reconsider the decision to serve notice. 

"I am pleased that so far the leader of Falkirk Council has responded and assured me of their commitment to Bandeath and I am very hopeful that we will receive similar positive responses from our other partners. By working together I believe that we can find a way forward here."

A Falkirk Council spokesperson added: "Clackmannanshire Council and Police Scotland decided earlier this year to withdraw funding support for the facility at Bandeath. 

"This would have meant that the whole cost of the facility would have to be met by Falkirk and Stirling Councils.

"Falkirk Council was obliged in terms of the Partnership Agreement to give 12 months’ notice to Stirling Council of its possible withdrawal from the partnership but we have been continuing to discuss the provision of alternative services with partners."

Police Scotland say they are working to seek alternative arrangements for the housing of stray dogs in Forth Valley before December 31 deadline.

A spokeswoman added: "Police Scotland has to make significant savings. The funding of any services that don't directly impact frontline policing is under review. 

"Along with our partners in Clackmannanshire and Falkirk councils we have given notice of our intention to withdraw from the current partnership and funding arrangement for Bandeath Dog Shelter." 

Kerrie's petition is online.