A trio of Romanian dogs need new homes this Christmas after being rescued from terrible conditions abroad.

Just before Easter, animal lovers imported 22 dogs saved from a "hell hole" in Romania where strays were being killed if they are not adopted from public shelters.

Since then Jennifer Gilbert, from West Hill, Epsom; Lisa Webster, from Sherwood Park Road, Sutton; and Rachael Welch have gone on to help rescue other dogs.

Following a recent appeal, Ms Gilbert said they have brought over another 22 rescue dogs in the last few weeks and two more will arrive in two weeks time.

Homes have already been found for most of the dogs which were rescued from two "kill shelters", called Braila and Pallady, in Bucharest, Romania.

But three of the rescue dogs are still looking for a kind-hearted family to take them in. Ms Gilbert said: "It would be lovely to get these dogs into forever homes for Christmas.

Your Local Guardian: Jennifer Gilbert and Lisa Webster with their dogs in Cheam

Jennifer Gilbert and Lisa Webster with their pet dogs

"We try and do a little bit when we can and we are so glad we do, these dogs are so clever, loyal and affectionate, after all there little eyes have seen and there bodies have endured they survive and forgive.

"Braila, stopped killing the dogs for five months but decided one day to start up again so it was a big push to try and help them.

"So we took 18 from Braila and six are from Pallady all who were on the kill list and were saved last minute."

Your Local Guardian:

Doris, aged 2 - "sweet and sociable" 

In the summer the Bucharest Court of Appeal effectively suspended a controversial law which had led to the slaughter of thousands of strays throughout Romania.

The law, providing for the killing of strays not adopted within fortnight, came into force in October 2013 after public outcry when a little boy was mauled to death.

But Ms Gilbert said: "The law change had no effect, it wasn't worth anything, in fact it actually made it worse, as to prove they were defiant they made a point of killing a lot more dogs."

If you would like to take in the dogs please email jenngilbert1977@gmail.com

Your Local Guardian:

Abbey, aged 3 - "sweet little lady"