Redundant sheepdogs have become the latest victims of the foot-and-mouth crisis as farmers across the region find their

working dogs have no place in empty fields and farmyards.

RSPCA officers have seen an upturn in the number of sheepdogs coming through their doors since foot-and-mouth broke out across the county.

RSPCA Westmorland branch administrator Julie Belshaw said some farmers had sold up and moved on, leaving their dogs with the RSPCA; others simply had no work left for them to do and gave them up to be re-homed.

"We are in a position where we are quite regularly taking calls from farmers where there is not enough work for their dogs or no work at all," said Mrs Belshaw.

The latest arrival at the RSPCA's kennels at Glaneils Boarding Kennel, Burton-in-Kendal, is an unnamed male sheepdog.

Mrs Belshaw said: "This lad came from a farm where there had been a confirmed outbreak.

He is in mature years - between ten and 12 years old and although we don't always have much success re-homing older dogs we wanted to give him a chance because he is such a lovely dog and very affectionate.

"He is always very keen to go for walks.

We are looking for a country home for him where he can enjoy a quiet life and live out the rest of his retirement."

She added: "It is always sad to see them coming to us because they are quite devoted animals.

They can become very attached to one person."

Collie owner and dog trainer Sue Jones who specialises in re-training working sheepdogs said: "Many farmers are still in limbo at the moment but I imagine we will see more of this as time goes by.

The

majority of dogs that come to us have come from farmers who do care, but they have no work for the dog.

Most sheepdogs can be trained to live happily in a family home in a matter of weeks."

Anyone wanting to adopt the sheepdog should contact the RSPCA re-homing officer on 015395-60663.