ROVER TICKET.. ONE WAY
PET charities are still picking up the Christmas pieces, weeks after the last presents have bounced out of the wrapping.
The RSPCA rescued 211 animals over two weeks from December 24.
Calls were even coming in on Christmas Day asking them to take away pets who were unwanted gifts.
The story of one dog abandoned at a railway station like Paddington Bear with his bowl and belongings in a bag moved hearts everywhere.
The shar-pei cross, now called Kai, was found in Ayr on January 2 and has since been placed in a loving home.
Chief Inspector Dermot Murphy said: “The festive fortnight from Christmas Eve to January 7 has proven to be a busy time. Let’s hope those animals will enjoy a more settled Christmas next time around.”
Kai’s plight was shared by many. At Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, 14 tiny puppies arrived on Christmas Eve.
Kaye Mughal, manager at the Battersea Old Windsor centre, said: “There were seven left on the side of
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“We’re worried they were bred as Christmas presents but when they failed to sell they were disposed of.”
Head of Operations Carly Whyborn said: “They may not have had the best start in life but we’ll make sure 2015 sees a change in their fortunes.”
Tameside Animal Shelter in Greater Manchester said that each year, without fail, cats and dogs bought as gifts found their way to its doors.
This time they included a crossbreed now called Crystal, a confused and malnourished six-week-old pup who was discovered wandering the street.
Shelter manager Gareth Lloyd said: “Some people even ask us to take a dog in on Christmas Day. They don’t even wait until Boxing Day.
“We don’t rehome after mid December because we don’t want animals given as presents.”
Mr Murphy said: “The RSPCA rescued 11,000 abandoned animals in 2014 but the numbers are going down year by year. We hope it shows owners are taking more responsibility.” HOW do I stop my rabbit digging holes in the back garden? The lawn looks a real mess – almost like we have moles.
Rescued