THE RSPCA shelter at Fairfield has reached capacity, with 319 puppies and adult dogs in desperate need of new homes.

Of these, 27 are puppies now available for adoption and 12 more are in foster care.

With breeds ranging from bull Arabs, rottweiler crosses, labradors and an Irish wolfhound-cross to cattle dogs, border collies and kelpies, the shelter is splitting at the seams.

“It's very rare to have so many puppies in the shelter at any one time. Being this full doesn't tend to happen until December. And even then it's rare to have so many puppies and such a variety,” RSPCA spokeswoman Anna Hartley said.

“If anyone is intending to welcome a puppy or dog into their family, it's a perfect time to visit the Fairfield shelter where there is a huge selection of healthy animals looking for homes.

“All RSPCA dogs and cats are fully vaccinated, desexed and microchipped.”