TWO stray dogs could be put down unless a new home is found for them soon.

Jack, a two-year-old, white Staffordshire bull terrier, with a brindle patch over his left eye, was dumped at Darlington police station last week.

He is micro-chipped. The chip said his owners live in South Shields - but they no longer live at the address given.

The second is a female tan and white Staffordshire bull terrier cross, found at Wesley Court, off Yarm Road, in Darlington, and is thought to be about three years old.

Both dogs are being held in kennels for the statutory seven days. But after that time, their future is uncertain. The seven-day period expires today .

Dog warden John Martin said: "There has been a lot of stray Staffies lately. The Dogs Trust is full too, so unless someone comes forward and claims these dogs or someone else is willing to give them a home, they might have to be destroyed.

"It's heartbreaking for us. Someone somewhere has looked after and cared for them, but they've ended up on the street and, because there isn't any room for them anywhere else, they might have to be put to sleep. It's terrible."

For information, contact Deerness kennels on 0191-378-0439 or 01325-388799.