New homes sought for labradors

The puppies are all working dogs

The RSPCA in Norfolk will shortly find itself with the patter of hundreds of doggy paws.

The animal charity has been given the mammoth task of finding homes for 160 pedigree labrador dogs.

A breeder in the county has decided to retire and her entire stock has been handed over to the charity.

The puppies range in age from eight weeks to one-year-old, and are mostly black labradors. However, there are also some gold and chocolate pups.

Puppies should make 'excellent' pets

In the next week or so the RSPCA will collect the puppies, and officers will then move them to various centres around the country. But they say they will have no trouble finding homes.

Alison Briggs of the RSPCA said people should contact their nearest animal centre to register an interest, although she stressed the dogs had yet to be handed over.

"I understand they are all lovely dogs and come from a reputable breeder who has decided to sign them over to us. They are all working dogs and we believe they will make excellent pets for the right owners."

A charge of about £200 per dog will be made to cover the cost of care while with the RSPCA, plus vaccination and microchips.