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Photo - Abandoned: RSPCA staff with some of the 98 St Bernards that were left without food, water or heating in filthy kennels

* Give the dog a home: The 100 St Bernards that need to be rescued By Daily Mail Reporter Tongues lolling, straining at the leash, they look the picture of boisterous affection. It's hard to believe that just a few months ago these St Bernards were close to death in filthy kennels. They were among more than 100 dogs found by RSPCA officers last November locked in cages without food, water or heating.

Their owner, breeder Mary-Ellen Collis, 50, had allegedly abandoned them for over a week. The alarm was raised by a man who had left his dog at the kennels while he was away. On his return, he found that he could not contact Collis. He alerted a former employee and together they gained entry to the Wardana Kennels and Cattery in Brigstock, Northamptonshire. They found 102 dogs 98 St Bernards and four others living in squalor in Collis's house and a set of purpose-built kennels. Two were in such poor condition that they later died. With the help of six villagers, the rescuers worked tirelessly to clean and feed the animals before the RSPCA arrived five hours later.

Appeal: The RSPCA is searching for new owners for the dogs, which cost 2000 a week to feed It is thought that Collis bred the dogs when the market for them was stronger they used to be worth 1,000 each but a fall in demand meant that she did not sell a single one of the 50 or so puppies born at her kennels last year. St Bernards were made famous by the 1991 film Beethoven The surviving dogs have been nursed back to health by the animal charity at an estimated cost of 100,000. Food bills alone top 2,000 a week. The RSPCA is now looking for homes for the gentle giants in five counties across the Midlands and south of England. Officers stressed that St Bernards are large and shaggy-haired, meaning they need plenty of space and lots of grooming. Spokesman Paul Williams said: 'They all have good temperaments but their kennel background means they will need owners with the knowledge and time to help them settle. 'The majority of the dogs range in age from two to eight years and older and should make very loyal and rewarding pets.' Mr Williams said that a donation to the RSPCA would be required to cover the cost of neutering, vaccinating and microchipping the dogs. Sadly, a bottle of brandy is not included. Anyone hoping to rehome a dog or make a donation can contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8000. 2009 Associated Newspapers Ltd Contact us Terms Privacy policy Advertise with us

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RSPCA appeal to home St Bernard dogs

Friday, April 10, 2009, 09:30 You've heard of 101 Dalmations now meet some of the 101 St Bernards. These huge mutts were among 101 rescued from kennels by RSPCA staff, and are now looking for new homes in Leicestershire. Ross, Mercedes, Pippa, Buttons and Cello, are currently being cared for at the Woodside Animal Centre, in Scudamore Road, Leicester. Four other St Bernards have already been matched up with loving families in Leicestershire, and staff at the branch are expecting to take up to 20 more of their furry pals. Branch manager Lisa Smith said: "We've never had anything like this before, so many St Bernards looking for homes. "They're fantastic dogs and the ones we've had so far have been lovely." The dogs were all removed from kennels in Northamptonshire in December, although as criminal investigations are still ongoing, RSPCA inspectors cannot reveal details of the case. Since their rescue, the dogs have been cared for in private boarding kennels on behalf of the society, and the total number has risen from 101 to 106 with the arrival of five puppies. However, as they remained the property of their owner, they could not be re-homed. Caring for the dogs has cost the RSPCA about 100,000. Now control of the St Bernards has been signed over to the charity, they are sending the dogs to branches across the country in the hope of finding new homes for them all as quickly as possible. Lisa said: "We're getting two or three in at a time, finding them homes and then getting more in. "We can't have them all at once because there's obviously other dogs who need new homes to think about." Animal carers have warned the dogs will need special care due to their size and because they have never experienced life out of kennels. Paul Williams, RSPCA animal welfare manager for the east region, said: "They all have good temperaments but their kennel background means they will need owners with the knowledge and time to help them settle into their new homes. "St Bernards are large dogs and, as these particular animals have lived in kennels all their lives, they are not used to walking on leads and have not been house trained. "They will need experienced homes where there is a reasonably large amount of space. "They should make very loyal and rewarding pets for those able to give them the care they desperately need. "So far, caring for these St Bernards has cost the RSPCA about 100,000 and all donations, will be gratefully received." To re-home one of the dogs, or to make a donation, call Woodside on 0116 224 2434.