NEW homes are needed for abandoned dogs which are living on the canine equivalent of death row.

Holycross Farm kennels, in Haswell, east Durham, has a contract with Hartlepool Borough Council to take in stray and abandoned dogs.

After nine days, the dogs become the property of the kennels and are rehomed.

But, as the holiday season gets under way, the kennels are struggling to cope with the influx of unwanted pets.

Debra Wardle, rehoming manager, said: "We have 24 kennels and at the moment they're all full. People are going on holiday and rather than paying boarding fees are just dumping their dogs.

"If any more come in, the ones that are here will have to go. They're on death row.

"We don't know how long we're going to be able to keep them and we need to find homes for them as soon as possible."

The dogs range in age from about four months to four years and are a mixture of crossbreeds and pedigrees.

Anyone who would like to offer a home to one of the dogs is asked to contact Debra Wardle, on 0191-526 7819.