ABANDONED dogs are in desperate need of permanent homes due to the fact the RSPCA has no more room.

ABANDONED dogs are in desperate need of permanent homes due to the fact the RSPCA has no more room.

A kennel owner in Eastertown, who takes on dogs the charity is unable to house, is appealing for more homes for rescued animals.

Jerry King and his wife Christine own and run the Whitehouse Kennels and Cattery, near Lypmsham, where they have been helping the RSPCA for nearly 10 years.

The charity is currently at its maximum capacity because it is in the process of building kennels at their new centre in Brent Knoll and is unable to afford the costs of looking after as many animals as usual.

Christine, aged 41, said: "We really want to encourage people to give a home to a rescued dog, rather than buying a puppy.

"We must get at least five dogs, which have been dumped by their owners, in the kennels every week

"Jerry and I have seven dogs of our own that have problems, which would mean they would be hard to re-home. However, we get so many lovely animals that would make ideal pets."

According to Christine, at least once a month a dog is abandoned on Weston beach.

She said: "These people must be in desperate situations to go to these lengths. If they cannot afford vets bills this may be the only option they think they have.

"One dog came in and she was heavily pregnant. She had been on the streets for days and by the time she came to us she was in desperate need of veterinary attention.

"She eventually gave birth and proved to be a wonderful mum. We named her Betty Boo."

To find out more about the animals needing new homes, contact the RSPCA centre on 01278 782671.