THEY were destined for a life of cruelty and animal testing, but now three litters of dogs are looking forward to a new lease of life after being rescued from a puppy breeding farm.

Vanessa Linnell, who owns the kennels and rescue centre in Wrantage just outside of Taunton, rushed to save the 15 dogs from their horrid fate after receiving a call on Friday.

She said: “We had a phone call telling us about these 15 dogs, quite a few of whom were going to be sent to France to be tested on at a lab for household products.

“This is our busiest time of year and such a big commitment financially because they all needed feeding and to go to the vets, some are very skinny.

“The dogs are puppy farm breeding bitches and stud dogs and have just had an awful life so far, the thought of them being sold to have household products tested on them was so cruel so we did what we could and took the 15.

“We had to save them from their appalling fate, how they were living was no way for any animal to live.”

The 15 dogs rescued were seven beagles, four bassets and four bichons.

Vanessa added: “We’re all exhausted but the staff have all rallied around.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the response we’ve had about the dogs, we’ve had had a donation from America but we still need more.

“We’d be grateful if anyone could pledge any support or give us some wet dog food, we’re inundated with cats and kittens at the moment too.

“We just want to do what we can and help find these dogs a new loving home.”

If you would like to find out more or make a donation, visit the St Giles Kennel’s website at stgileskennels.co.uk or their Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ Dogs-4-Adoption-at-St-Giles-Kennels.