AHEAD of St David's Day, the RSPCA is appealing for patriotic members of the public to help give the animals named after our patron saint a loving home.

This includes at Newport Animal Centre where staff are looking for a new owner for Dave the dog, a 10-year-old crossbred.

Deputy manager, Rebecca Jeffery said: “Dave has such a sweet nature about him and has so much affection to give his new adopters. He could possibly live with a female dog although needs more socialising. He would need a cat free household and could live in a family home with secondary school aged children.”

Newport Animal Centre is also caring for Dai the degu who is looking for a home. Dai needs an extra special home as he will need to be rehomed with his two best degu friends Ieuan and Arwel, ideally to someone used to keeping rodents.

The degus are around a year old and will need a large cage as they need to be housed together as they are best friends. They are friendly boys who enjoy daily exercise in their wheel and having lots of snacks to chew on throughout the day.

For more information contact Newport Animal Centre on 0300 123 0744 or email newport@rspca.org.uk. The centre, based at Hartridge Farm Road, is open 11.30am to 4pm every day, except Thursdays.