LEIGH’S MP has called for stronger regulation on rescue and kennelling facilities after concerns were raised about a facility in her town.

Jo Platt has said she has seen “extremely concerning” conditions captured in images that were reported to have been taken at Leigh Dogs and Cats Home CIC.

She attended a vigil organised by campaign group Justice Leigh on Saturday in which around 100 people attended in memory of animals who have died at the centre.

Ms Platt said: “The images of the conditions that have been sent to me are extremely concerning and I will continue to follow these through.

“I have also been looking at regulation around rescue and kennelling facilities.

“Unlike animal breeding establishments, rescue homes are not regulated and there are no specific licensing requirements for pet rescue centres in England.

“This needs to change and I will continue to apply pressure in Parliament.

“I commend the efforts of individuals and groups such as Save Our Strays and Justice Leigh who have long campaigned for better treatment of animals and have been at the forefront of calls for stronger regulation.”

The Leigh MP is working with Wigan Council on the matter, though the local authority was clear the rescue centre was found to have “adequate animal welfare provisions” during inspections.

Paul Barton, director for environmental services at the council, said: “When public concerns are raised about the welfare of animals at the premises, we work proactively with both the veterinary profession and the business.

“Recent visits, including unannounced inspections by our officers and independent vets, show their facilities have adequate animal welfare provisions. However, we do take allegations very seriously and will investigate any positive lines of enquiry.”

A spokesman for Leigh Cats and Dogs Home CIC said: “The welfare of the animals in our care is of paramount importance to us. There is no time limit on any dog in our care and all are kept until they are found new homes; be it a day; a week or several years.

“We often use rescue organisations from around the country to help to rehome the more challenging dogs.”

The centre added it is open to the public seven days a week and would invite Jo Platt MP to visit at any time to look round and discuss her concerns.