A DEDICATED team of volunteers who have saved the lives of around 600 dogs could be forced to shut down.

Islay Dog Rescue have been rescuing strays and abandoned pooches — many of them victims of horrific cruelty — for seven years but are facing a potential crisis.

Unfortunately, Islay’s kennels have reached the end of their lives and must be renewed soon or the rescue centre will be reluctantly forced to call it a day and close for good.

They are not giving up that easily, though, and several fundraising events are taking place over the few months, starting on Saturday, July 28.

A group of 19 volunteers are carrying out a sponsored climb up Goatfell on Arran with every penny raised going to Islay Dog Rescue.

Then, 24 hours later, volunteers will have a bottle stall at an Open Day hosted by Greenacres Riding Stables at Torranyard, Irvine.

Another major animal-based event, Bark in Belleisle Park will give the team an opportunity to raise funds during a day which will feature a fun dog show, have-a-go agility ring and stalls.

Meanwhile, a couple of local companies have also committed to sponsoring a kennel for £1,500 but similarly small groups of people have got together to raise enough to make a much appreciated contribution.

Lorraine Jardine, who runs the centre with Richard Thomson, said: “Everything helps and saves dogs’ lives. Donations for our bottle stall in July would be very gratefully received. If you would like to donate to a local collection point in Cumnock please call 0787 656 1545.

“Islay Dog Rescue recently also won an award from Jewsons Building Better Communities fund which was a national event. 

“Supporters were asked to vote for their chosen good cause and Islay Dog Rescue attained a total of 498 votes - the second highest in the whole of the UK.

“We were in a category where we could win between £500 and £10,000 and were awarded £3,000 worth of materials from Jewson’s. 

“If you feel you could help us in any way please get in touch with me on 0787 656 1545. 

“Any assistance would be gratefully received.”

Other dogs available for adoption are on Islay Dog Rescue’s Facebook page and website.