As vets in general practice, we build up relationships, not only with our clients but also with other professionals that deal with pets; dog groomers, dog walkers, trainers and behaviourists – having good working relationships with these members of the animal care community can only be a good thing for our pets.

At the top of the list of people we work closely with are the owners of local kennels and catteries. Over the years I have built up relationships with these sensible, hardworking people who provide a great service for my clients’ pets. So, it is a huge sadness to me that we are seeing kennels having to shut down in our local area and beyond.

Suddenly there has been a stance taken by local authorities that all kennels must meet incredibly exacting standards – now do not get me wrong – I am very keen that substandard kennels be rooted out and improved or closed.

But I am now convinced that they are throwing out the baby with the bath water. I know two brilliant kennels owned by wonderful, capable owners that have shut down in the last year because the owners could not afford the vast alterations that were advised.

One in Weymouth and one north of Dorchester the loss of these two facilities seems to be madness and my dog owning clients agree.

I believe that the owners of these kennels should have retired from providing a great service when they chose to with a fanfare and thanks from us all, not tied up in red tape. I lament the loss of two great businesses and feel the world has gone slightly mad on this one – I have nothing but praise for their work over the years.

Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and Weymouth. Tel 01305 267083