A GERMAN Shepherd rescue charity has warned that a national rehoming crisis means it cannot save ‘death row’ dogs.
German Shepherd Rescue South (GSRS) said many of the animals face being euthanised due to the lack of adoption homes.
Nineteen dogs are currently in boarding kennels while others are in foster care and many more face euthanasia in pounds across the country, according to the volunteer-led charity.
The group said that it presently cannot take on any more dogs as it is at capacity.
Foster homes are needed in the south, south west, south east or Midlands.
Prospective volunteers must have no other pets, no young children, and experience with German Shepherds or rescue dogs
“We aren’t being difficult, we are being safe,” a spokesperson explained.
“Most dogs in our care have been discarded or dumped.
“They may have behavioural challenges or lack socialization.
HOMELESS: German Shepherds need homes without other pets or young children (Image: German Shepherd Rescue South)
“No responsible rescue would place a dog with an unknown history directly into a home with children or other pets.
“We need experienced ‘stepping stone’ homes to give these dogs a chance at life outside a kennel.
“We don’t want to set our dogs up to fail.”
At present, 19 German Shepherds are waiting in boarding kennels in Southampton (nine), Devon (five), Uxbridge (three), and Wales (two), while others remain in foster care awaiting permanent homes.
The group, which operates across the southern half of England, including Worcestershire, says it is asked every day to take in dogs from local authority pounds.
The dogs are typically given just seven days for an owner to reclaim them.
After a week, if a rescue space isn’t secured, they are often put to sleep, according to GSRS.
The charity’s main financial burden is kennel costs.
Moving assessed dogs into foster homes would not only ease this pressure but free up space to take in more dogs from pounds across the country.
Fostering is completely free for volunteers, as the charity covers all food and veterinary expenses.
Those interested can apply via the GSRS website.
Profiles of dogs in need of fostering — such as Cooper, Nala, Ruby, Frank, and Zeus — are also available on the website for potential foster carers to review.
For those unable to foster, GSRS encourages the public to help by sharing its social media posts to increase the chances of finding suitable homes.
