HOMELESS town hounds are set to secure extra support after animal group Swindon’s Needy Dogs celebrated gaining charity status.

The organisation, known as SNDogs, officially became a charity this month, enabling the animal welfare and re-homing service to gain increased financial support. The charity helps stray and pound dogs across the town.

For three years SNDogs has been a familiar face at fairs and fetes in the town and has relied upon the public’s generosity to raise much needed funds.

Jessie Bascombe, trustee and lead co-ordinator at the newly-formed charity, said SNDogs' new status would make it easier for the group to help more furry friends in the town.

“It is fantastic news and it’s just what we needed," she said.

"We are as busy as ever here and more and more dogs need our help each month. Now we can accept gift aid on donations and we can start expanding the charity like we always wanted to. It’s a very exciting time for us.

“It was difficult for us before because we did not have as many funding options available to us and we are still a relatively small organisation. Now we can get grants and funding from the government and ultimately help more dogs in need."

Formed in 2012, SNDogs was designed to save innocent animals from dog death row, and currently cares for 25 perfect pooches and provides training, neutering, and microchipping services along with information and support for responsible dog ownership.

Their network has now expanded to include a pool of 15 pre-vetted foster carers who provide accommodation for dogs in need.

The charity covers all food, training and veterinary bills until a suitable home can be found for them.

Jessie said it was imperative dogs were properly trained and socialised before they were rehomed.

“Many dogs come to us with behavioural issues and that is something we will work on for many months if needed to ensure they are ready to go to the right home,” she said.

“By far we see the most amount of Staffordshire bull terriers here which is a shame as they are beautiful animals but often we see they are not cared for properly and they are not trained. But they are loyal animals and are a great addition to any home.”

SNDogs are often the first port of call for the Swindon Council dog pound which has been inundated with abandoned dogs in the last year.

The charity is now looking for more volunteers to foster dogs, anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should email swindonsneedydogs@gmail.com.

The group can also be found on Facebook. Search Swindon’s Needy Dogs or visit www.sndogs.uk