IT might sound barking mad, but a Notts animal shelter is appealing for volunteers to read stories to its dogs.

The RSPCA's Radcliffe-on-Trent shelter is launching a Read And Relax scheme, designed to help dogs in its kennels get used to human contact.

Ella Herring, the shelter's assistant manager, said: "We are constantly looking at ways of enriching the dogs' environment.

"This will teach them to be calm in the presence of people. That way when visitors come in the dogs are less reactive, they see people as a good thing, and when they get re-homed they will be used to being calm and just laying down on the floor.

"We want them to get used to being in the presence of people without demanding attention."

It is not believed any other UK kennels have a scheme like Radcliffe's in place.

People can read what they like to the dogs "within reason".

"Some people might feel uncomfortable reading big novels to dogs, so they might prefer a story book, but they can really read whatever they like," said Mrs Herring.

"We currently run a volunteer programme for exercising the dogs but it's just as important for them to have general contact with humans, and not just our staff.

"Some people physically can't walk dogs but still want to have that kind of contact with the animals, so it will be good for them."

Other projects planned at the kennels include introducing a Scent Of The Day'.

"We want to deal with all of the dogs' different senses and make sure they are stimulated.

"We will be using very diluted solutions of aromatherapy oils as the dogs' sense of smell is so sensitive, things like vanilla and different spices.

"It will help to prevent them from developing kennel vices as they are constantly stimulated."

The centre is currently home to around 50 dogs.

Volunteers must be aged 18 and over and be comfortable around dogs. They will spend around 20 to 30 minutes reading books of their choice aloud to individual dogs in kennels.

The centre is also looking for people to donate books for the scheme.

For more details contact the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Shelter, Nottingham Road, Radcliffe on Trent, on 0115 9334422 or email info@rspca-radcliffe.org.uk

sarah.gillett@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk