Labradors help others find homes

More than 40,000 people wanted to adopt one of the 180 labradors

Finding homes for 180 labradors has brought a bonus for dogs in care.

After they were handed to the RSPCA by a Norfolk breeder unable to cope, a record 40,000 people inquired about owning one of the labradors.

Officials at the RSPCA kennels in Wimblington, Cambs, are delighted that many callers have decided to adopt other dogs in the charity's care.

RSPCA superintendent Tim Wass said: "Nearly every kennels in the country has seen their dogs finding new homes."

The unexpected bonus of high demand for all the dogs in care has both delighted officials and given them a sudden extra workload.

Check on owners

Mr Wass said: "We are now taking the potential owners through our procedures designed to ensure all the dogs go to good homes.

"The first 50 potential owners for the labradors are being checked out and we have 50 more families on the reserve list if any of them prove unsuitable or drop out.

"We are also checking the potential owners who have decided to take our other dogs."