An urgent appeal has gone out to find temporary foster homes for 17 animals who have been saved from council dog-pound death row.

Cambs Times: Caroline Trigg with Shelley Ridgeon of Ravenswood Pet Rescue with rescued dog PepperCaroline Trigg with Shelley Ridgeon of Ravenswood Pet Rescue with rescued dog Pepper (Image: Archant)

Stray dogs picked up by most local councils in England have seven days for their owners to collect them but if nobody comes forward they are euthanised on day eight.

“They are all perfectly healthy loving dogs. Their only crime is that nobody wanted them anymore. Like a throw away item they are no longer interested in,” said volunteer Shelley Ridgeon of Ravenswood Pet Rescue.

“Fenland District Council is one of very few councils that does not euthanise day eight dogs and that’s thanks to the hard work of warden Caroline Trigg who founded Ravenswood.

“She set this up to save them from Fenland and other pounds, mainly those in London.

Cambs Times: Marian Edrupt with her dog Rea that she re-homed from Ravenswood three years agoMarian Edrupt with her dog Rea that she re-homed from Ravenswood three years ago (Image: Archant)

“For some reason it has gone manic and this weekend we have 13 dogs coming and next weekend we have got four lab cross puppies coming.

“We are overflowing and desperately need help from people who can give loving temporary foster care until they find their forever homes.”

According to figures from UK charity, Safe and Sound, around 8,000 healthy day-eight dogs are killed every year in the UK.

A spokesman said: “Unclaimed strays, tossed aside like unwanted toys. Britain’s throw away society has gone mad.”

•Can you give a dog a temporary foster home? To volunteer you must have a secure garden. If you already have dogs they must be up to date with vaccinations and neutered. Ravenswood will provide you with food and organise any veterinary care that may be needed. You will also 24/7 phone support if needed. Contact the Ravenswood Pet Rescue page on Facebook or call 0844 5555 987.