Council officials have teamed up with the RSPCA to offer advice to people who are considering buying a dog this Christmas.

Medway Council’s stray dog service and the animal charity are urging people to consider carefully the long-term commitment needed to look after an animal properly.

They are also reminding people to be cautious of where they buy a dog from, after trading standards launched an initiative to tackle illegal dog importation earlier this year.

Sometimes dogs that have been brought into the UK have fake documentation and have not been vaccinated against rabies, or are too young to have had their jabs. Tips include purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder, asking to see the pup with its mother and the rest of litter, and checking if the pooch has a valid passport or vet certificate if it was born outside of the UK.

Cllr Jane Chitty, who oversees trading standards at the council, said: “Dogs that have been brought into the country illegally will need to be quarantined while they are fully vaccinated to help prevent the spread of diseases and to keep the animal healthy.

“It is not uncommon for a dog to be given as a Christmas gift so I would ask people to carefully research breeders.”

Cllr Rupert Turpin, head of community wardens, said: “Our wardens recovered 650 stray dogs in Medway last year, the majority were returned to their owners along with advice on how to prevent this distressing occurrence, which can be very dangerous for the dog.”

The council’s stray dogs team will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day and will operate reduced opening hours over the festive period until Tuesday, January 3.

To report a stray call 01634 333333, visit www.medway.gov.uk or search Medway Council Stray Dog Service on Facebook.