THE RSPCA is appealing for new homes for the 269 animals the society seized from one address in its largest-ever haul.

It took a team of 26 RSPCA officials two days to remove 244 dogs, 16 parrots, seven cats, a rabbit and a chinchilla from a house in Carnforth, Lancashire last month.

Forty-seven of the dogs were taken to the RSPCA's sanctuary in Great Ayton, and were in great discomfort when they arrived because of the state of their matted fur, which was covered in sores, mites and fleas.

This week the charity set up a hotline - (08705) 900950 - for people interested in adopting one of the animals. Lines will be open 24 hours and will remain open until homes have been found for all the animals rescued in the raid.

This group of animals alone is estimated to cost the charity more than £10,000 a week in boarding, transport, vet bills, medicine and food and the public are also invited to make a donation to the charity to help ease resources.