A dog rescue centre in Wansford has seen an influx of poor dogs and puppies trotting through its doors, and the pens are full to bursting.

And Animal Helpline owner Ros Norman believes the rush is partly down to the high numbers of people who are unable to afford their mortgages and are losing their homes as a result.

Mrs Norman, who has more than 25 years' experience to look back on, said: "We're always busy but at the moment we're inundated.

"There's certainly a lot of people losing their houses at the moment, and if they've lost their home they can't keep a dog.

"This is how they're ending up in pounds."

Many of the 50 dogs being looked after at the home have been saved from being destroyed in dog pounds.

Pounds are only obligated to keep dogs for seven days before having them put down, but kind-hearted Mrs Norman cannot bear to see it happen and rescues as many of the furry creatures as she can.

Although the recession is playing a big part in the steep rise in homeless dogs, it is not the only cause – thoughtless people are also to blame, said Mrs Norman.

She added: "I think a lot of people don't understand what they're taking on when they get a pet, in particular the responsibility of rehabilitation for a rescue dog, to help it trust again.

"Quite often people don't think long-term and just get a dog on a whim."

Mrs Norman is appealing to people to think about taking on a pooch from the home or consider making a donation to ease the burden of costs she faces every week.

Anyone interested in giving a pooch some TLC, can call 07849 637862 to book an appointment. There will then be a vetting process before the new owner is allowed to take their new best friend home.

Generous people wanting to donate food, bedding or a cash donation, or who want to give some of their time to volunteer as a dog walker, should call the above number.

To find out more about the rescue home, visit www.homes4dogs.co.uk