Unwanted animals stretch resources

This is a growing concern for the charity, which took in more than 2,200 animals nationally last December, which had not only been abandoned, but were handed over directly from their owners.

And, it would seem the trend has caught up with pet owners across the district, as Bradford's RSPCA Mount Street kennels and a boarding kennel used to house animals for the Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch of the RSPCA are already full.

But staff are still getting calls to take in animals, which now have had to be placed on a waiting list.

The charity also reveals that, contrary to belief, the peak in the amount of animals received in January, where 90 cats and dogs a day are expected, is not down to unwanted Christmas gifts.

In fact, animal centre managers say they tend to receive Christmas puppies in about March, when they are no longer deemed "cute".

Mark Evans, RSPCA chief veterinary adviser, said: "It could be that people don't want to take their dog out for walks in the dark, or they don't want their cat with tummy trouble bothering them when the in-laws come round for Christmas.

"The rise in numbers over the summer also suggests that perhaps some people try to re-home their animals before they go on holiday.

"Whatever the reason, it's very sad.

"A pet is a responsibility for its entire life and if people aren't able to take on that responsibility, we'd rather they didn't take on the pet in the first place."

Peter Bolton, RSPCA animal welfare manager for the north, said: "We definitely find that more people want to hand over their pets at this time of year, which is a real worry.

"It's heartbreaking that sometimes we have to turn animals down due to lack of available space. That's why it's so important that if people want a pet, they think about adopting an animal from one of our centres."

RSPCA staff in Bradford are among the thousands of people across the district who will be working over the festive period, including Christmas Day.

And they have their work cut out this year as their Mount Street kennels are fit to bursting with animals, including 40 dogs and puppies, 54 cats and kittens, not to mention the rabbits, hamsters, rats, gerbils and wildlife.

Up until January 2, the animals will not be re-homed, but residents can still support the charity by donating cat food, as there is a desperate shortage, and donations are always welcome.

Deputy manager Alison Maltby said: "Every year is different and this year our kennels have been more or less full with cats almost all-year round. But, we have had people ringing us up over the last few weeks to take in animals, which we have had to place on a waiting list.

"It could be people feel they haven't got time to look after a pet over Christmas or that that they are going away.

"What we would say is that if someone wants to adopt a dog or cat, they should wait until the Christmas period has calmed down and think again in the new year."

Pam Laking, administrator of the RSPCA's Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch, urged pet owners to put themselves in their animals' shoes before making the decision to get rid of them.

She said: "Christmas is an exciting, but stressful time, and animals don't know what all the fuss is about.

"I would say create a haven for them to retreat to. It is dreadful people are getting rid of their animals before Christmas, they are part of the family. We always get an influx of animals before and after Christmas. We would say please don't give animals as presents."

The branch uses boarding kennels in Keighley to house their animals and with dogs costing about £35-a-week to keep, the charity is in urgent need of funding.

Food is always gratefully received and can be donated at Keighley Market and at Jollyes pet superstore in Keighley. Alternatively, contact Mrs Laking on 07949 229955.