A DORSET rescue charity for abandoned and neglected dogs is appealing or more foster homes following a sharp increase in dogs taken in by the organisation.

Staffie and Stray Rescue in Kinson aim to place dogs into loving foster homes until a permanent home is found, and also campaign to support the often misunderstood breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

However, with 45 dogs under their care and all looking for a permanent home, the registered charity are looking for new owners to come forward.

A spokesman from Staffie and Stray Rescue said: “We are experiencing a surge in requests for dogs needing to come into rescue this week.

“We have a severe shortage of pet and child free foster homes within an hour of us in Bournemouth.

“Please, please do get in touch if you can help us to help these dogs.”

The charity are also looking for donations to fund the replacement for their recovery vehicle after it broke down earlier this month.

The spokesman added: “The SSR van, named Bertie, has travelled thousands of miles and carried so many dogs into safety with a positive prospect of a forever home. Sadly, we broke down this week with no hope of getting Bertie back up and running.

“We are currently using a hire van which is costing us every day.

“This means that we are having to purchase a new van which is vital in order for us to carry out our cause and we are working in the community seven days a week.”