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Homes wanted for 100 St Bernard dogs
THE RSPCA is seeking loving homes for nearly 100 St Bernard dogs being cared for in and around Peterborough after they were found abandoned without food and water last year.
THE RSPCA is seeking loving homes for nearly 100 St Bernard dogs being cared for in and around Peterborough after they 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 region, including up to 50 in the Peterborough area, 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.
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.
nPeople 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.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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