However, fears that the move could result in more than 40 dogs being destroyed because they had nowhere to go appear to have been averted.

Property owner Janet Perrie, who bought the kennels last year, is currently in prison after being convicted in July of embezzling £130,000 from the Scottish Conservative Party.

Kennels manager Fiona Hope has been looking after the premises and animals owned by her and Mrs Perrie.

But with the accounts being frozen following Mrs Perrie's imprisonment, and mortgage arrears running at an estimated £15,000, the property was re-possessed by bankers Abbey National.

Mrs Hope said she had been distraught at what might happen to her 44 dogs after receiving a solicitors' letter suggesting they might have to be put down.

She was evicted on Tuesday morning, but friends have found temporary homes for 21 of the animals while Mrs Hope took 13 away in her van to possible alternative accommodation. She has been give seven days to find homes for the 10 remaining animals.

Mrs Hope said: "I am at my wits' end. I have done my best to keep things going, to feed and care for the animals.

"I cannot bear the thought of walking away and leaving them to be destroyed and feel like ending my own life along with these poor animals."

Full story in December 17 edition of Bellshill Speaker