LOVING homes are needed for 92 dogs seized by police and the RSPCA in a swoop on a home in a North Yorkshire village.

The pet charity is searching for new owners to provide permanent homes for 92 of the 99 dogs removed from a property in Low Marishes, near Malton, on Thursday last week.

The dogs, which are being cared for at York Animal Centre, include Yorkshire terriers, lurchers, German shepherds and crossbreeds.

Caring owners are also being sought for the 22 domestic shorthaired cats that were taken from the property the following day. A number of the pets received veterinary treatment.

The animals were removed by police and placed in the RSPCA's care in an operation that involved three RSPCA inspectors, three animal collection officers, Ryedale dog warden Brian Dunn, a police officer and a scenes of crime officer.

Mr Dunn said the operation to seize the dogs was "a mammoth task" that had inspectors working until the early hours.

All the animals, excluding seven dogs, were signed over to the permanent care of the RSPCA eight days after being taken.

They had accrued £5,250 in boarding costs and a large amount in vet bills.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation into the incident and a file of evidence is being produced.

"Members of the public who would like to offer a home to one or more of the animals, should contact the RSPCA's York Animal Centre on 01904 654949," said Heather Holmes, a spokeswoman for the charity.

"Callers are asked to be patient and try again if they cannot get through immediately - a large volume of calls is anticipated.

"All potential owners will be subject to a home visit. Animals will not be released until they have been given the all-clear by a veterinary surgeon.

"Taking on any pet is a huge responsibility and should not be undertaken lightly."

Updated: 10:49 Saturday, December 11, 2004