A KIND-hearted canine charity will be donating half its funds raised in its shops to a dogs home in Manchester that was devastated by a fire.

Happy Staffie Rescue, which has a shop in Worcester Road, Kidderminster, said the suspected arson attack at Manchester Dogs Home had left trustees and volunteers so upset they wanted to do something to support them.

The fire, which broke out on Thursday (September 11) night, resulted in the death of more than 50 rescue dogs and left around 150 others injured.

Volunteers at the charity, which takes in Staffordshire Bull Terriers, will be doubling their fund-raising efforts this weekend to ensure no funding is lost to their own charity.

Mark Hannaford, Founder of Happy Staffie Rescue, said: “We only wish we could help bring those dogs lost in the fire back but after talking to many of our loyal supporters and customers we feel it’s the best way to support the organisation in their time of need is with a donation towards rebuilding their future.

“Although we may be many miles from Manchester the sadness and shock is shared by all who care for animals.

“Our team can only imagine what their staff are going through as we know only too well that each and every dog that comes into our rescue builds a relationship with us.

“The personal effort that goes into rehabilitating some of the dogs that come through our door would leave us devastated to have lost them.

“Our thought and hearts are with them now as we wait to see if we can support them in any other way.”