THE Dogs Trust has urged people to take responsibility to tackle a stray dogs crisis'.

More than 11,326 stray dogs were found in the region last year - and around 500 of these were found in Warrington.

And 800 dogs were destroyed in the north west because they could not be re-homed - that's a 12 per cent increase.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust chief executive, says: "It is our view that absolutely no healthy dog should be put to sleep and the fact that the figures have increased by 12 per cent to 800 dogs over the last year is deeply saddening. This problem must be tackled."

The Dogs Trust rehomes strays like Bella, a Staffordshire bull terrier found roaming outside a vets surgery in Warrington.

The nine-year-old bitch was overweight and suffering from arthritis and was taken to Dogs Trust Merseyside.

Bella was rehomed with Mr and Mrs Piper, who fell in love with her.

Mr Piper said: "Bella is truly a joy and it warms our hearts to see how far she has come.

"She explores the garden at her own pace and is even able to break into a run when she hears her treat tin being opened!

"We adore our little Bella."