KIND-HEARTED and responsible dog lovers are needed to look after an increasing number of unwanted German Shepherds in the area. German Shepherd Rescue, Cambs, Norfolk and Suffolk is appealing for people in Fenland to take in some of the dogs. Head co-ord

KIND-HEARTED and responsible dog lovers are needed to look after an increasing number of unwanted German Shepherds in the area.

German Shepherd Rescue, Cambs, Norfolk and Suffolk is appealing for people in Fenland to take in some of the dogs.

Head co-ordinator Lanie Watson said: "We've had a rapid increase in unwanted dogs. There are 15 that need re-homing at present, four of which have come in during the last week.

"Much of it is due to the credit crunch. We do not re-home dogs into households where everyone living there is in full-time work as it is unfair to leave a dog on its own for 40 hours a week or more.

"Because of the credit crunch, it is often the case that both parties in the household have to work to survive.

"Some people believe the dogs cost a lot to feed, but this is not the case."

She added: "We will need to do a home check and a vet check before homing one of our dogs. We do prefer to home to people who have previously had or currently have a German Shepherd."

Unwanted dogs are taken into short-term foster care.

The organisation will keep contact with rescue dogs and their families once they are homed.

All dogs are fully vaccinated and most have been neutered.

They will not be re-homed to families with children under 12 unless it has been used to living with small children.

A garden with a 6ft high fully fenced enclosure is required so that the dog cannot escape whilst playing.

Dogs are fully vaccinated and the boosters must be kept up each year.

German Shepherd Rescue, Cambs, Norfolk and Suffolk will require a donation when re-homing a dog.

For more information, telephone 01733 768155.