MORE than 150 cats and dogs have been re-homed in the Wychavon district, following a desperate plea by the council's dog warden.

Pip Singleton revealed last month the number of stray dogs in the area had doubled.

She attributed the increase to owners abandoning their animals because they were frustrated by the restrictions enforced to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth.

At the time there were only two spaces left to house stray dogs at the National Canine Defence League re-homing centre, near Evesham, and the Danemere Animal Rescue Centre, at Tibberton near Droitwich.

Easing the plight

But following Mrs Singleton's plea to the public, more than 150 potential owners came forward, easing the plight of the two centres.

"Between the two centres, more than 80 dogs have been re-homed with a further 45 reserved, awaiting the successful completion of home checks," she said Mrs Singleton.

"Danemere has seen 52 cats re-homed with a further 16 reserved. Eight rabbits and four ferrets have also found new owners.

"We're so grateful for the public's response, it's been magnificent. Even when people were unable to offer a new home, they frequently rang to ask if they could sponsor an animal or make a donation."

Mrs Singleton added there were still animals that needed re-homing.

For more information, phone 01386 565249.