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Greater Manchester Police Authority and district councils have agreed new plans to deal with stray dogs to help cut their costs and raise extra income for warden schemes.

Under the existing system, dog wardens take strays to Harpurhey dogs' home where they are charged ?27.51 plus VAT which costs Manchester City Council ?30,000 a year.

Under the new policy, dogs seized for the first time wearing identity discs will be returned to their owners without charge. If the same dog is again caught on the loose, it will be returned to its owners but they will be charged ?50.

If the owner is not at home the animal will be taken to the dogs' home where the home's fees will be added to the ?50 charge. Owners of dogs found without identity discs will be charged the same and payment will have to be made before the pet is returned.

To prevent people releasing unwanted dogs into the street and leaving them to stray, a new free service will be introduced where the council will collect dogs and take them to Leigh Dogs' Home.