HEARTLESS dog owners have flooded animal sanctuaries with unwanted pooches.

Animal shelters reported fewer unwanted puppies arriving immediately after Christmas but said there was a growing trend for getting rid of dogs before the festive season.

Shirley Williamson, who cares for dogs picked up by Lancashire police, said they received 11 dogs on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

"We have found there has been quite a big throw-out just before Christmas. The owners may be getting rid of older dogs to make way for new puppies, or perhaps going away for Christmas or having relatives round," she said.

"Years ago, there were lots of young puppies immediately after Christmas but I think people are getting the message about that."

Jeanette Ainscough, of the RSPCA animal home at Altham, said they had received a lot of dogs, especially puppies, before Christmas from people who didn't want the inconvenience during the holidays.

"It's a real problem," she said. "When they are going out partying or having friends round they don't want a lot of animals running around."

Jeanette said they had not received any unwanted Christmas puppies yet but expected more later.

"When puppies have been given as presents they tend to come in after six or eight months, when are bigger and perhaps start being destructive," she said.

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