General Chat

That was the plea today as animal charity the RSPCA revealed it was desperately looking for homes for nearly 100 St Bernard dogs which were found abandoned without food and water last year.

The brown and white bundles of fun, some puppies and some adults, were rescued from their mess-littered cages in Northamptonshire by officers in December.

Since then, they have been nursed back to health in private kennels across the Eastern region, at a total cost of about £100,000.

Now RSPCA officers are appealing for the public to provide a new home for the animals so they can get back to leading a dog's life.

The dogs were removed from the Wardana Kennels in Northamptonshire, but two were in such bad conditions they died, while another had six pups.

But despite rescuing the dogs, they remained the property of their owner and the RSPCA was unable to rehome them.

Now ownership of the St Bernards has been signed over to the RSPCA and so good new homes can be sought.

The dogs are being rehomed in small groups through various RSPCA animal centres in the region.

Priority will be given to potential owners who live nearest to where the dogs are currently being cared for to limit how far they will have to travel to their new homes.

The majority of the dogs range in age from two years to eight years, though some are a little older, and should make very loyal and rewarding pets for those able to give them the care they desperately need.

Paul Williams, RSPCA animal welfare manager in the RSPCA's east region, said: “These dogs will need special care and patience. They all have good temperaments, but their kennel background means that they will need owners with the knowledge and time to help them settle into their new homes.

“So far, caring for these St Bernards has cost the RSPCA about £100,000 and all donations, however big or small, will be gratefully received”

St Bernards are large dogs and, as these particular animals have lived in kennels all their lives, they are not used to walking on leads and have not been house trained. They will need experienced homes where there is a reasonably large amount of space. They will also need regular grooming.

A donation will be required in return for rehoming one of the dogs which helps cover the cost of their neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and veterinary check.

Owner of the kennels Mary-Ellen Collis (50) and her 57-year-old partner were arrested and now face prosecution.

People who would like one of the dogs - or to donate to the RSPCA to help it continue its vital work - are asked to call 0300 123 8000.

SOME PEOPLE DONT DESERVE
THE LOVE ANIMALS GIVE TO HUMANS

Hi Joy, it's awful the way some people treat animals, and neglect them so badly. These dogs will cost a lot of time and money to care for so may never find homes in today's current economic climate! So sad.


Lizx

The credit crunch is hitting people with horses too, so that some charities are hit doubly hard, with having to take in more horses whose owners can no longer afford to keep them and with donations being down too. Things will be difficult for all animal sanctuaries etc as well as for places that help the homeless people etc.


Lizx

n

if i had room i would take one or two of them
it saddens me so