The Conservatives have gone through the woof over Kingston council's decision to cut one of the borough's two dog warden posts to meet budget savings.

Currently Kingston has two dog wardens who rescue runaway pets and keep strays off the streets but when one of them retires this year, their post is due to be discontinued.

One of the dog wardens is funded through the housing revenue account while the other is paid by the council's general fund.

Pointing out there is no legal obligation for the authorities to provide a dog warden, the ruling Lib Dem group claims that upon retirement of the dog warden paid for by the general fund, there will be no need to re-instate the position.

Councillor Rolson Davies, executive member for health and community, said: "There were a total of 62 incidents dealt with by our two dog wardens last year and it was agreed that this caseload could be carried out by a single dog warden."

The work of the wardens includes dealing with strays and unwanted dogs - which are taken to Battersea Dogs Home - serving notices for dog fouling, and rescuing lost pets.

They also work with local vets, the RSPCA and local kennels, assisting dog and cat owners in the care and re-homing of their animals.

Conservative councillor Kevin Davis said: "All this work cannot be done by one dog warden. What happens when he goes on holiday?"

The Conservatives also argue that this service, which costs £32, 000 including costs and vehicles, should be centrally funded because it is a borough-wide service.

The decision to discontinue one of the posts was taken six months ago and the Lib Dems claim the Conservatives missed two opportunities to challenge the idea.

Cllr Rolson Davies said: "The sudden interest may be explained by the fact that their Richmond colleagues suddenly realised they would have to recruit a dog warden of their own after years of borrowing ours."

For the last few years Kingston have helped Richmond deal with their stray dogs, charging a fee per animal dealt with.