THE new manager of Bolton's Destitute Animal Shelter is determined to make the place as "comfortable as possible" for the dogs who stay there.

Catherine Harvard, a married mum of three, believes that people searching for a pet should feel the shelter is a "pleasant place to visit".

Mrs Harvard, recently appointed manager of the Northolt Drive centre, plans to improve facilities for the dogs and cats who have to spend time there.

She also aims to ensure staff feel they are doing a worthwhile job.

The shelter has been the subject of criticism in the past and 32-year-old Mrs Harvard said she was well aware of its previous reputation. "But I want people to realise that this is a new start and things are going to be different," she said.

Mrs Harvard and 34-year-old husband, David, live on the premises with their children, 13-year-old Naomi, Tawnia, 11, and nine-year-old Brittany. The family has four pet cats.

"It is a dream come true. I have always wanted to work with animals and I am just thrilled to be have a job like this," she said.

Years ago the shelter had a reputation for destroying dogs after a specified period of time. Mrs Harvard was keen to point out that animals are now not destroyed, unless they are ill.

"We will keep an animal until a home is found for it or its owners turn up to claim it," she said.

Anyone interested in obtaining a pet from the shelter will pay £15 for a cat and between £30 and £50 for a dog. The higher figure would be paid for a pedigree.

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