The Telegraph & Argus has tracked down one of Rita Johnson's Yorkshire Terriers which were given new homes while she was in hospital recovering from a heart attack.

Benjamin, nine, and Tinie, 12, were taken away by Bradford Social Services when Miss Johnson was admitted to St Luke's Hospital last May.

When she returned home to Thornton in November she discovered the dogs had been taken to kennels in Doncaster, separated and placed with new owners.

The T&A has tracked down one of the dogs, Benjamin, to an address in Whitby and the new owners are considering an offer of replacement dogs.

There has been no contact with Tinie's new owners, but the family concerned have been made aware of our offer to provide a replacement dog if they agree to return the Yorkshire Terrier to Miss Johnson.

Since highlighting the story last week, the T&A has been inundated with messages of support for the 60-year-old.

A Bradford solicitor has come forward to offer his help and, if needed, will take up Miss Johnson's case free of charge.

And Bradford Council Dog and Animal Warden Service manager Terry Singh has agreed to act as mediator between Miss Johnson, the kennel owner and the families involved. He said: "I will try to make contact with all parties to see if we can reach some kind of agreement to benefit everyone."

Miss Johnson says it was the thought of coming home to her 'boys' which helped her win the battle against her long illness.

After reading about her struggle, bosses at Bradford's Riva Bingo organised a collection and punters raised £300 to buy new dogs for the families involved.

And the T&A has received scores of letters from readers backing the campaign. Joan Bunn, of Allerton, wrote: "Please, please, help this lady get her dogs home."

And Robert Greenwood, of Allerton, added: "We are supposed to be an animal-loving country. What has happened to Miss Johnson is disgraceful and should not be dismissed."

Hilary Greenwood, of Thornton, said: "I have known 'Auntie Rita', as she is known to many people, for a few years. She has even looked after my own dog on numerous occasions when we have gone on holiday. I hope you can help her."

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