KEIGHLEY people are being urged to give a home to a rescue dog.

The plea has been issued by the RSPCA, which last year rescued more than 200 dogs from abuse and neglect in West Yorkshire.

The charity has launched a month-long ‘Adoptober’ campaign to raise awareness of the desperate need for homes.

And to coincide with the initiative, the RSPCA has released details of the breeds most commonly rescued.

Lisa Hens, the charity’s dog welfare expert, said: “Staffies, lurchers, Jack Russell terriers and German shepherds are still the most common dogs coming into our centres. However, we are seeing a general decrease in their numbers while seeing a rise in the number of fashionable cross-breeds and so-called ‘designer dogs’ like Dachshunds and French bulldogs arriving in our care.

“We know that the animals coming into our centres tend to reflect general dog ownership trends and there’s been a huge surge in recent years in people buying breeds such as cavachons, puggles and cockapoos.

“As part of our rehoming drive this month, we want to shine a light on all the dogs in our care and encourage people to adopt a rescue dog instead of buying a puppy.

“All the animals we’re caring for have a lot of love to give and we have a huge variety of dogs in our kennels – of every age, shape, size and breed – waiting for a home. The RSPCA rescues animals from the worst abuse and neglect and, by giving them a home, you are giving them a second chance at life.

“Thankfully, not all the dogs we rescue need to be rehomed – some already have owners and can be returned."

For further information, visit rspca.org.uk/findapet.