THE Easter weekend is here.

And what better way to celebrate it than giving an abandoned animal a home – for life.

Staff at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre, in South Mimms, care for hundreds of dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, mice and loads more, everyday.

The animals, some of whom have been very badly treated, neglected or abandoned, are all in need of a new start in life with a loving family.

Three of those animals are dogs Bounty, Sykes and Ruby.

Anna White, manager of the Packhorse Lane centre, told the Potters Bar Edition: “Bounty, a three-year-old crossbreed, is a gorgeous big puppy who was originally neglected by his owner.

“He would be best suited to live as an only dog and is not good with cats.”

Bounty also travels well and needs some basic training.

Of six-year-old Staffie Sykes, Ms White said: “Sykes was removed by his owners as it was thought he was being used as a bait dog: they encouraged other dogs to fight with him and poor Sykes sustained injuries.

“He has been at the centre since September.”

She added: “Despite his past, Sykes is a smashing boy: affectionate with everyone and popular with all the staff and volunteers.

“He loves a lot of fuss and attention and requires an experienced owner who is home most of the day.”

Jack Russell terrier Ruby, aged four, finds herself at the animal centre because her owners have split up.

Ms White said: “Ruby loves to run around playing – she is not a lap dog!

“Therefore her owner needs some experience with dogs.”

She added: “Ruby cannot live with cats and is also not good with other dogs.

“She can be left for a short time and can live with children aged 14 and over.”

n If you can offer any of the animals at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre a home call 0300 123 0704.

Alternatively you can visit them at the care home open every day, except Wednesdays, from 11am until 4.15pm.