An outbreak of "doggy flu" has disrupted an animal shelter's reopening plans.

The Dogs Trust, formerly the National Canine Defence League, was poised to unveil the result of a multi-million pound refurbishment of its kennels at Shoreham.

But it had to cancel the event after half a dozen dogs arriving from the North became sick and had to be quarantined.

The poorly pups have been diagnosed with kennel cough, which is similar to a chest cold for humans and characterised by a harsh, hacking cough.

The disease can be life-threatening but the majority of cases are not serious and dogs are expected to recover within a fortnight.

But staff at the Shoreham Rehoming Centre in Brighton Road were unwilling to take any chances.

They feared anyone touring the new facilities could pass on the infection to their pets at home.

The infection is not contagious to humans, although it is closely related to whooping cough.

But it can be picked up by rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, cats and other dogs, some of which can go on to develop life-threatening complications.

Dogs Trust spokeswoman Deana Selby said: "We recently took in a number of dogs from a council kennel in Leeds that would otherwise have been killed and unfortunately some of them later turned out to be infected with kennel cough.

"These dogs have now been isolated to prevent the illness spreading to our other residents.

"However, we do not feel it is appropriate to have visitors to the centre while the cough is still present, as there is a small risk that human visitors could pass it on to their dogs at home."

Centre worker Nicole McCallum said staff were "disappointed" by the delay.

She added: "We get dogs transferred here from all over.

"Unfortunately, you just don't know sometimes what you are going to get."

A new date will be set for the centre's relaunch as soon as a vet advises the coughs have gone.

The incubation period for kennel cough normally lasts between two and 14 days.

However, with staff anxious not to rehome dogs over the Christmas period, the refurbishment is unlikely to be unveiled before the new year.

The work involved the demolition of the old kennels and their replacement with sound-proofed units complete with underfloor heating.

Building work at the centre took a year and the premises closed its doors to the public for two months for safety reasons.

It has since reopened, although few dogs will be available for rehoming until the kennel cough outbreak has passed.

Among those who are available for rehoming, though, is three-year-old male terrier cross Adamski.

He is described as "lovely and lively" and likes female dogs but would not like to live with male dogs, cats or children under ten.

The centre's opening hours are noon to 4pm, except Tuesdays and inquiries can be made by calling 01273 452576.