THE RSPCA has slammed a new doggy dating and mating agency as "frivolous and irresponsible."

But Kevin Horkin, the Bolton animal consultant behind the project, reckons they are barking up the wrong tree.

Mr Horkin, who says he has the support of Our Dogs magazine and the Kennel Club, was launching his Canine Companions venture today - Valentine's Day - at the Manchester Championship Dog Show.

Mr Horkin, who also runs the Spex chain of opticians, the Petcentric shop in Accrington and the Pet Roles agency, believes there is a market for bringing dogs together. However, the North-west Regional Manager for the RSPCA, Bernard Diving, said: "The way in which mating will apparently take place is highly irresponsible.

"Certain breeds of dog are known to run a high risk of carrying genetic abnormalities.

"The proposed scheme carries the risk that genetic disease will be transmitted."

Mr Divine added: "I am also very concerned that steps may not be taken in every case to ensure offspring are found good caring homes.

"The RSPCA will probably be left, in some instances, to deal with unwanted puppies. "We condemn this as a frivolous and irresponsible initiative."

But Mr Horkin denies that the service is in any way frivolous.

He said: "We chose Valentine's Day to launch Canine Companions for a bit of fun, but we take it all very seriously.

"Our aim is to give advice to those owners who are novices when it comes to dog breeding and would not know what to do. I believe the service is responsible.

"I think these comments have been made without knowing the full facts."

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