Dog rehoming centre at 'breaking point'

The rescue centre is at full capacity after a rise in the number of dogs being brought in

An animal rescue centre is at "breaking point" because of a rise in the number of stray dogs being brought in.

Staff from St Giles Animal Centre, Somerset, say they have run out of space and are unable to accept any more dogs.

It is launching a foster drive - where people take in dogs temporarily - so that the team can focus on finding them permanent homes.

Director, Jack Linnell, said: "We've got 30 dogs at the moment and we are at full capacity. We do need to urgently look for adoptive homes."

Apollo is one of several large dogs at the centre looking for a new home

St Giles holds the contract for the council's dog warden service, which means strays from across Somerset are brought in to be looked after.

"Different factors have affected rescue centres," Mr Linnell said.

"Covid hasn't helped, and the problem we had was a lot of anti-social dogs that didn't get the care they needed.

"A lot of people can't afford to care for their animals now, and especially some of the bigger dogs, people are struggling with vet costs."

Mr Linnell said the centre is so full that staff are having to turn people away from bringing in their animals.

Jack Linnell and Komala Moran are looking after 30 dogs at the centre

As part of the appeal for foster carers, the centre will fund the moves which will allow dogs to be assessed in a home environment and permanently rehomed quicker, said trainer Komala Moran.

"We need to get these dogs out of the kennels, they really don't cope well.. they become quite stressed," she said.

"It's an opportunity to get the dogs into a more enjoyable environment but also gives us an indication from a rehoming perspective if fosterers say 'he's doing really well' or 'he's eating the sofa'."