POLICE SCOTLAND will not be naming the new kennel provider of the Forth Valley Division.

The force recently announced on social media it has changed its dog handling procedures as well as facilities in a move away from Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter, but did not name the new provider, leaving commenters wondering.

However, the Advertiser has this week been told the identity of the new provider will remain a secret for safety and operational reasons as the new service will be handling dogs that are part of criminal enquiries.

As reported in May 2016, Clackmannan woman Kerrie Keen had kick-started a petition to safeguard Bandeath when the Throsk-based facility was facing closure over funding issues after the police and the councils that used it were considering a pull-out.

She gathered 11,000 signatures in just one day and at the time, the campaign seemed to be a success with councillors in Clackmannanshire confirming an ongoing commitment to fund it.

But this week, Chief Inspector Alan Bowater said: “Police Scotland has to deliver a sustainable operating model within our budget.

“A contract is currently in place with an appropriate provider for the service."

Following changes to procedures, owners of lost dogs are asked to contact their local authority during office hours as environmental protection officers may already be aware of any sightings and could have uplifted the animal.

Outwith office hours, the police stations at Alloa, Stirling and Falkirk will continue to accept stray dogs and officers will now make appeals on social media in order to reunite four-legged friends with owners.

However, owners are being warned they will be liable for fees if longer term accommodation or emergency veterinary care is required.

And as before, dogs will be in line to be rehomed if they remain unclaimed after seven days.

The Advertiser understands that once an animal is taken to private kennels, a charge of £18 per day will be applied for the rest of the week.