Homeless pooches given forever homes

Puppy love was alive and well in Auckland on Saturday, with homeless pooches being united with new owners.

About 20 dogs and puppies looking for love were put up for adoption by charity DC Rescue at the Botany Town Centre on Saturday morning.

Each year DC Rescue saves more than 200 healthy, adoptable dogs from euthanasia, working with pounds and dog owners around the North Island.

The group has re-homed more than 600 dogs since its establishment in 2012.

Leland Wade, 7, was in his element playing with the puppies at the Adopt a dog, pop up site. Photo / Nick Reed

In 2014 and 2015, 9432 dogs were impounded across Auckland, according to the Auckland Council Animal Management annual report.

Of those, 51 per cent were returned to their owners, 9 per cent were adopted and 42 per cent were euthanised.

As well as the adoptions which took place, owners of troublesome dogs were also able to get some retraining tips for their beloved canines by dog training group Citizen Canine.