Dog owners 'trading in ageing pets for younger models'

Shropshire dog owners are trading in their ageing pets in favour of "younger models", a leading rehoming centre said today.

Staff at Roden Dogs Trust have seen an influx of older dogs in recent months and suspect owners are making way for younger pets in the run up to Christmas.

Rachel Wright, assistant manager at the centre, said it was sad that dogs were being treated like disposable items.

She said: "At this time of year we do tend to get older dogs in.

"A lot of people decide they don't want older dogs at this time of year and will look to 'trade them in' so to speak for a younger one.

"There seems to be a lot of older dogs that are not wanted by their owners and it is a real shame."

She added that staff at the centre were also encouraging people to think through the decision to purchase a dog for Christmas.

"Our message is, and always has been, a dog is for life, not just for Christmas," she said.

"It is a life-time commitment and people should take their time and think it through.

"We do see an increase in winter and then after Christmas we obviously get a lot of dogs coming in where people have got themselves a young puppy but find they haven't got the time to look after it.

"I think the message is definitely getting across and we are getting less dogs than we used to because people have started listening to our advice."

In an attempt to prevent the irresponsible behaviour, Roden will not rehome dogs from December 19 to January 2.

People can visit and reserve a dog, but will not be able to take it home until the New Year.

As well as taking in abandoned dogs over the Christmas period, staff will continue their usual busy job of looking after 150 dogs in their care.

To give a dog a caring home visit Dogs Trust Roden at Roden Lane Farm, Telford, or call (01952) 770225.

By Alex James