There has been much confusion after a dog rescue charity closed 'suddenly' in a Merseyside area.
A closure sign has appeared on the gates of The Merseyside Dogs Home, based in Halewood at Greensbridge Lane.
With the website also stating "Our centre is not currently open" and the lack of updates on their social media page, people were quick to jump online to express their confusion.
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Many people took to Facebook to ask what would happen to Merseyside's stray dogs and wondered whether the land had been sold for housing.
We asked Merseyside Dogs Home for confirmation and they said due to the coronavirus pandemic, they have been forced to change and adapt.
A spokesman added: "Like many organisations the pandemic has brought about change and we are having to adapt.
"Times are good for dogs, demand is high for dogs with ownership on the increase, with fewer dogs being abandoned there is no longer a need for a high volume rescue centre, consequently we have adjusted and changed the way we operate.
"We continue to be here for dogs that need us and continue to provide our support services to those people suffering Mental Health, and Homelessness.
"Sadly after much deliberation we will be leaving our centre in Halewood but will continue to be here for the dogs and people of Merseyside."
On the 'dogs ready for rehoming' section on the charity's website, it states: "COVID-19 has changed the way many organisations work and we are no different, we now operate an adoption from home arrangement.
"This past year there has been an increase in the number of people adopting and buying dogs. This means that there are currently fewer dogs than usual.
"It is no longer the practice to advertise dogs for homes."
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