ONE OF the UK’s leading animal welfare charities is appealing for animal lovers to give new homes to 20 dogs rescued from France at the request of a princess.

The mixed breed dogs have been brought to the shelter in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire from the Defense des Animaux, Refuge de Thierney at the request of the French Princess, Elizabeth De Croy.

Princess Elizabeth, who has been a valued supporter of Wood Green Animal Shelters for a number of years, contacted the English animal welfare organisation to ask for their help to alleviate the overcrowding beginning to happen at the French shelter.

The dogs are a mix of Terriers and mongrels arrived in England last week. They have had all the necessary inoculations, are ready to be rehomed.

Wood Green spokesperson Nicola Bacon said: "They have been checked over and had the necessary inoculations and are ready to be rehomed," she added.

"They are all lovely dogs and we are confident of finding them new homes. Luckily there does not seem to be a problem with them understanding English commands, so people do not need to speak French to rehome one."

Nigel Mason, Head of Animal Welfare at Wood Green Animal Shelters said, "This is a great opportunity for Wood Green to help other animal welfare organisations, and also helps to continue our development in creating strong relationships with charity’s and other organisations abroad. All of the dogs that have come over from France are lovely dogs and we are confident all will find loving new homes."

Wood Green has been working closely with a number of international animal organisations in the past year including a visit to Japan in February this year where two members of Wood Green staff gave lectures on animal welfare and training techniques.

If you are interested in any of the dogs that are looking for homes from France or any of the other dogs available visit Wood Green in London Road, Godmanchester, any day between 10am and 4pm.

For more information about the work of the charity visit www.woodgreen.org.uk or telephone 08701 90 40 90.