The Connecticut Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is issuing an urgent appeal for help in saving the lives of nearly 50 dogs.

SPCA officials say they are attempting to take the dogs away from a non-profit animal shelter on Spring Hill Road in Monroe.

Fred Acker says he rescued 77 dogs and kept them at the shelter, which is also his home. He says a nuisance ordinance led town officials to reduce the limit of dogs that he can keep on the property to 29.

Acker says he has been given until April 30 to remove 48 of the dogs from the shelter.

Anyone who would like to help the effort by adopting one of the dogs is asked to call (203) 445-9978