A MARTLESHAM animal charity today appealed for people to re-home rescue pets as it emerged there has been a sharp rise in cases across the region.Statistics released by the RSPCA show that the number of rescues the animal charity attended in 2007 in the east of England has gone up by nearly 10 per cent compared to 2006.

A MARTLESHAM animal charity today appealed for people to re-home rescue pets as it emerged there has been a sharp rise in cases across the region.

Statistics released by the RSPCA show that the number of rescues the animal charity attended in 2007 in the east of England has gone up by nearly 10 per cent compared to 2006. The number of dogs that needed rescuing increased by 20 per cent.

Dubs, a one-year-old English bull terrier, and Rocky Robin, a three-year-old Labrador cross, had to be rescued and brought to the RSCPA animal centre in Mill Lane after they were subjected to neglect and cruelty.

Although Rocky Robin was re-homed after that, his new owners have just returned him to the centre and so he is now looking for a new home again.

Dubs has already been reserved for a new home.

Becky Fox, deputy manager at the centre, said: “Most of our animals usually come in via the inspector or animal collection officers and they have not had a very nice upbringing. However this month, it has been a case of filling the centre up with animals from our public waiting list so we have not had as many rescue pets in.

“It didn't work out with Rocky's new owners so he is back with us. He has been in kennels for a long time so is not used to being in a home environment.

“He was first rescued a few years ago because he was kept in a crate. He has a very nice character and is more of a yard dog.”

The RSPCA said Rocky's home needs to be child free with no other animals. He would also need professional behaviour training.

Miss Fox added: “People need to be understanding about his lack of socialising and know that they are taking on a bit of a challenge. They also should be willing to think about the funding aspect of it.”

Simon Parker, acting RSPCA superintendent for the east, said: “The RSPCA was on hand to help all types of animal whatever the emergency - birds injured by oil spills, cattle suffering from foot and mouth disease, cats in road accidents and dogs simply abandoned by their owners.

“Sadly we noticed a rise in the number of animals we rescued last year because they were callously abandoned.”

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Dubs is a really happy go-lucky English bull terrier. The RSPCA said he loves to play with balls and would make a fun pet. He was brought to the centre by an inspector after his owner was spotted hitting him.

Staff at the centre said he has now recovered well and would suit a home with children over the age of five.

Rocky Robin is a very boisterous Labrador Cross according to staff at the RSPCA. They said he is very 'people focused', which makes him easier to train.

An inspector originally rescued him following reports that he was kept in a shed. He was first taken to an RSPCA centre at Block Fen and then ended up at the Martlesham centre to be re-homed. He has recently returned after his new home didn't work out.