DOGS on death row are being given a chance after the launch of a new rescue group in North Yorkshire.

The new group is officially being launched at a Save Yorkshire Dog’s Santa Christmas Fair which is being held in Masham Town Hall on Sunday December 7.

They already have 50 volunteers all over the Bedale, Ripon and Masham areas and have recently saved an 18-month-old Great Dane which had had four different homes, a three-year-old lurcher taken to the vet to be put down and another lurcher which was abandoned and tied to a fence post.

Chair Julie Hart said: “The aim is to save vulnerable and at risk dogs, we are determined to save dogs from being put to sleep.

“It is such a tragedy that healthy dogs are facing this and we will do everything we can to assist, often we may be able to help people keep their dogs.”

The group - known as Syd - has six kennels at High Leas Farm, near Masham, but is also in close contact with other rescue groups and will be working with local vets.

“It may well be even if we can’t take in a dog, we can help find somewhere that can. And we are always on the lookout for foster carers who can help us, even in the short term.

“The important thing is that they don’t just fall through the net, that every effort is made to rehome them and give them a good life.”

The group have hired Masham Town Hall for the Santa Fair which will run from 11am to 4pm. Alongside Santa’s grotto there will be craft stalls, a kiddies cookie decorating competition and refreshments.

“We really need money over the winter period, we can take in up to three dogs a week and they need veterinary care, speying and neutering and feeding. We have done fund raising over the last few months, and it is ongoing but we really want to make an impact at the fair,” said Ms Hart.

“We have all been volunteers for other rescue groups so there is a lot of experience. This is an ongoing problem, we can’t help all dogs, most of the rescue centres are full most of the time, but we would really prefer it if people contacted us, we can always try and help.”

The group can be contacted through sydrescue.org.uk/ and through facebook.