TEN dogs have been saved from 'death row' by a rescue group set-up just three months ago in Keighley.

Aireworth Dogs in Need (ADIN) found homes for the pooches which otherwise would have had to be put down.

Now the group, which is run entirely by volunteers, is appealing for more people to offer foster homes or provide adoption for unwanted dogs.

And it is campaigning to urge more responsible ownership.

Mrs Jane Hudson, a trustee, said: "If a dog is sent to the council kennels after being found there is seven days for the owner to collect it, but sadly after that if a rescue like ours doesn't step in, the animal is put to sleep.

"We work with the dog wardens and kennels to try to save as many dogs as possible, but unfortunately we are not able to save them all."

ADIN currently has about six fosterers across the area, but more are desperately sought.

"We want to build a network of foster and adoption homes but we also need people to walk dogs," said Mrs Hudson, 57, a driving instructor, who has four dogs of her own and one that she is fostering.

The group, which is working towards charitable status, is also promoting the Green Dog Walkers scheme and has received funding from Keighley Town Council to help with materials.

Volunteers had a stall at Keighley Show at the weekend and will be at Jolleys pet food store, in Hard Ings Road, this Saturday (Sept 13).

"We work closely with other rescues but they are all full – we have to push the responsible ownership message to help stamp out the problem of unwanted dogs," said Mrs Hudson.

"Breeding has to be controlled.

"And before buying a dog, people must think about what is entailed. There is a lot of work involved and of course expense.

"If I had thought I couldn't care for my dogs, I wouldn't have bought them.

"People should also think ahead. Clearly unforeseen things can crop up, but if your circumstances are likely to change in the following year – for example you're planning to have a baby or change job – you should consider how this may affect your ability to look after a dog."

ADIN is also raising money to cover the cost of caring for its adopted dogs, and recently coined-in £700 with a 10-mile sponsored walk.

E-mail aireworthdogsinneed@gmail.com, call 07830 107444 or go to the Aireworth Dogs in Need facebook site for further information and to offer help.