HUNDREDS of border collie sheepdogs face being made redundant and homeless nationwide as a knock-on effect of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

One lifeline for them is the Border Collie Rescue organisation, based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, which has revealed the extent of the problem.

Mike Cooke, who helps run the sanctuary, said the plight of the dogs was becoming desperate.

He said that while some collies would be kept as pets, farmers were being forced to consider the future of dogs trained to herd their flocks.

The sanctuary has taken more than 100,with another 80 still on the waiting list.

"Farmers have phoned in tears, they have been in a state of shock," said Mr Cooke. "They have had to make hard decisions because of the virus and now they are having to make another decision to part with their dogs."

On one poignant occasion, Mr Cooke even had to collect a collie from a five-year-old boy who was celebrating his birthday.

"It was a sad scene," he said. "I was taken into the room with all the family and given a cup of tea and a slice of birthday cake by the lad - and then I had to take his dog away."

Anyone who would like to help the sanctuary should telephone (01748) 850025.

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.