DOG owners were yesterday urged not to abandon their pets in Darlington, in the mistaken belief that they will be taken in by a sanctuary.

Council bosses issued the plea after the Dogs' Trust Rehoming Centre, in nearby Sadberge, revealed that it had reached its capacity.

Last night, the worsening situation had left three abandoned dogs in urgent need of homes.

The trio - a male Saluki cross, a black Labrador and a tan and white terrier cross - can only be kept in boarding kennels for a few more days.

When Darlington Borough Council's dog wardens pick up a stray they take it to the kennels in Langley Moor, County Durham, where the animal stays for seven days.

If a dog has not been claimed or found a new owner after a week, the wardens ask the Dogs' Trust to take it in.

But the charity confirmed this week that it had no more room for strays, leaving the three dogs with nowhere to go.

The council's dog warden, John Martin, said: "We will pay for the dogs to stay at the kennels for a few more days and then see if the situation at the Dogs' Trust has got any better.

"If not, the dogs may have to be destroyed.

"These dogs really need good homes and I hope someone will come forward to take one of them on."

The problem of abandoned dogs in Darlington is on the increase, and Mr Martin believes it is because owners think their pets will be guaranteed a new home.

He said: "People seem to think if they abandon their dog in Darlington it will automatically go to the Dogs' Trust, but that isn't the case.

"Stray dogs have to be kennelled by us and only go to Sadberge if they have room.

"If people can no longer look after their pet they should call us and discuss the options.

"It is much easier for the Dogs Trust to take and re-home animals when they know their background, rather than strays that they have no information about."

Anyone who can offer one of the dogs a home can contact the kennels on 0191-378 0439.For advice about a pet which can no longer be cared for, contact the warden service on (01325) 388799.