THE magic of Blackpool's fertility statues has struck again - show dog Schnorbitz has given birth to 15 pups.

The St Bernard placed her paw on the icons, which are said to result in pregnancy for women who touch them, during a photocall when they arrived at the Pleasure Beach.

And this week she became a mother for the first time.

Owner illusionist Richard De Vere said: "At the time I didn't think anything of it.

"We planned to let Schnorbitz have puppies at some time but not quite so soon."

The pups, five bitches and ten males, were delivered by Caesarian on Saturday and Richard was amazed at how many offspring were delivered.

"The vet told me there may be a few more than five or six, but I wasn't expecting 15," he said.

"It's great that they all survived because you can expect to lose a third of them."

Schnorbitz has taken to motherhood well according to Richard who said: "I am seeing a completely different side to her nature the way she keeps coming back to the basket to check up on them."

Proud father is Sir Jason, a St Bernard that was staying with Richard for a couple of days in May and said to be one of the top studs in the country.

One of the pups will be chosen as the heir to take over Scnhorbitz's stage crown and homes will be found for the rest.

Requests have already come flooding in - in fact a member of the royal family in Saudi Arabia has offered £3,000 and an ex-Mr Universe has pledged £2,200.

"We are open to offers and the people will be put on a list," said Richard.

"Part of the money will go to the Schnorbus appeal to buy a minbus for local charities to use.

"It will take time because there is a lot of documentation to go with the pups.

"They can't be called Schnorbitz and the dogs can't go on stage."

Until then, Richard will be left holding the babies and he reveals looking after them is a round-the-clock job.

So much so he has had to get someone in to help him out.

"It's like a scene from 101 Dalmatians at home at the moment," he said.

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