ANIMAL welfare volunteers breathed a sigh of relief when no animals were dumped on their doorstep this Christmas.

The Altham Animal Centre, off Enfield Road, is used to being deluged with unwanted pets after the festive excitement.

But this year the RSPCA appeal to keep animals for life seems to have paid off with no unwanted animals brought in or any calls of abandoned pups.

Last year among the first casualties were three tiny cross-breed puppies who had to be looked after at the charity's shelter in Altham.

Kevin Heggerty, from the RSPCA in the North West, said: "Every year there is a national TV advertisement warning people that buying puppies for Christmas presents often leads to them being abandoned when they have had enough.

"But initial signs seem to show that this year is different, with no calls so far. This is great news and we hope it is a sign that the wider message has sunk in." RSPCA centre manager Jeanette Ainscough, welcomed the fall in admissions, but added: "People just seem to be under-educated as to the needs of pets and, in some ways, we are living in a throwaway society.

"We are finding that we are busy all year round. It could be when dogs start teething or need injections that people realise that a pet is too much trouble."

Anyone found guilty of abandoning an animal can be jailed for up to six months, fined £5,000 and banned from keeping animals for life.

People who feel they can no longer cope with an animal are urged to contact the RSPCA. Anyone who can adopt an animal from an RSPCA centre in the North West should ring 08705 555 999.