AT least five dogs have been saved from a death sentence after animal lovers bombarded a council compound with calls offering them good homes.

The story of an abandoned dog facing death, featured in The Northern Echo on Saturday, touched the hearts of readers desperate to save the cuddly pooch.

More than 41 people have since contacted the Deerness Boarding Kennels, in Langley Moor, near Durham, after reading that the collie-cross was to be put down today.

Instead, Number 28, as he is known at the kennels, is looking forward to starting a new life in a loving home when his new owners come to collect him this afternoon.

Kevin Forsyth, from the kennels, which is the dog compound for Sedgefield Borough Council, said he has been absolutely delighted with the response.

He said: "It's brilliant. Up until 4.30pm today we have had 41 calls for that dog and what we have managed to do is re-home another four dogs, who were on their last dates, because of the help given by the paper to that particular dog."

The tan and white, slightly overweight, mongrel was found wandering in Kilburn Street, Shildon, County Durham, on Saturday, October 20, wearing a collar, but no identification.

He won the hearts of residents after a notice appeared in Brian's Pet Supplies, Church Street, with many calling into the shop to see if he had been claimed.

Mr Forsyth said: "Within an hour of the story being in the paper we had two phone calls from people wanting him. He is a lovely dog."

There are still plenty of animals like this who are on death row patiently waiting for their owners to come and collect them.

Anyone who can offer them a good home should contact Mr Forsyth on 0191-378 0439