A DOG rehoming charity has urged people to make sure their dogs are neutered to avoid unwanted puppies after taking in a dog that needed an emergency caesarean.

The Dogs Trust Darlington is caring for four, seven-week-old French Bulldog cross puppies who were born at the centre after their mother, Roxy, was handed in because her own feared they would not be able to afford vet fees if she had a difficult birth.

Roxy was able to give birth to three of the pups naturally but the vet had to perform an emergency caesarean for the final puppy.

The dogs, three boys and a girl, have been renamed Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Penny, after characters from the comedy show The Big Bang Theory.

The puppies have all been found new homes but the Dogs Trust has urged people to take steps to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Sue Embleton, Dogs Trust Darlington centre manager, said: “Roxy’s case is a classic ‘unwanted litter’ situation and clearly highlights the dangers associated with this. Not every pregnancy will lead to a natural birth and healthy puppies - owners do have a duty of care to provide for the unexpected.

“Neutering is hugely important to avoid situations like Roxy’s occurring. Without a caesarean Roxy and her pup could have died, however operations such as this are expensive.”

To find out more about neutering and microchipping, or to rehome a dog, call Darlington Rehoming Centre on 01325-333114 or visit Hill House Farm, in Sadberge, near Darlington, between noon and 4pm every day, except Tuesdays.