The dog that WAS just for Christmas ... thousands of pets abandoned as festive season ends

 

By Ryan Kisiel

 

 

Last updated at 8:07 AM on 05th January 2010

 

 

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Looking into his sheepish eyes it's hard to imagine why anyone wouldn't want him after Christmas.

 

But this seven-week-old Dachshund puppy is just one of thousands of pets who have been abandoned by their owners after the festive period.

 

Held by kennel assistant Maxine Elson, he is waiting along with dozens of his canine friends for a new owner at the Cheshire Dogs Home in Warrington.

 

Unloved: This seven-week-old Dachshund cross puppy is waiting to be rehomed

 

Pick me: Kennel assistant Maxine Elson holds the puppy. There has been a surge in the number of abandoned pets over the Christmas period

Record numbers of pets have been handed over to kennels and local councils this December.

 

It comes as animal charities say fewer people are adopting cats and dogs this year because of the recession - leaving them with little space to take on more strays.

 

The recent surge of abandoned pets is being put down to people changing their minds about keeping their Christmas presents when they realise the cost involved.

 

Max a two year old Border Collie is one of the many dogs that were abandoned pets over the festive period

Manchester Dogs Home took in 108 dogs in December, while in Worcestershire, 60 cats and 35 dogs were abandoned across the county during the same period.

 

The RSPCA received across the south-west of England 22 dogs and 11 cats on Christmas Day alone.

 

Animal charity PDSA, which helps families struggling to pay their veterinary bills, said it has seen a sharp rise in the number of people needing their help and animals abandoned.

 

The recession has led to a rise in abandoned dogs, like this cross Labrador, as families struggle with vet bills

PDSA spokesman Deryck Wilson said: 'We've seen a real surge in the number of people needing help or who are unable to keep their pet financially.

 

'As incomes have fallen, families have had to make tough decisions and pets have lost out. But there is help out there and they don't have to abandon these animals.'

 

• The Cheshire Dogs' Home can be contacted on 01925 269500.
  

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1240589/The-dog-WAS-just-Christmas---thousands-pets-abandoned-festive-season-ends.html#ixzz0bjLkPDJk

I wonder how many of those were actually wrapped up?

Aww I REALLY want that Labrador now

Any pit-bulls up for grabs?:rolleyes: