Dogs abandoned by owners

It was far from a merry Christmas for these poor dogs.

They were left homeless in Shropshire - two even found wandering alone on Christmas Day.

Among the unlucky dogs handed in at Hillbrae Dogs Home, at Cold Hatton, over the festive period were two puppies.

All the animals were discovered, apparently having been abandoned by owners in Telford.

Seven dogs, including the two pups, remain unclaimed by their owners.

Marty Burrell, who runs the home, was contacted this morning about a Jack Russell, about 12 weeks old, who was discovered alone in Brookside on Christmas Day.The other puppy, a black and tan mongrel, was handed in on Christmas Eve.

Mrs Burrell said it was very likely they - and possibly the older dogs - were unwanted presents.

She said when owners genuinely lost their dogs they usually contacted her centre hours later but the Christmas pooches have gone unclaimed.

She said: "People do give dogs as presents despite all the publicity, which is a great shame.

"We need to stress that all the rescue centres in Shropshire are full. People should not take on a dog and think that if they don't want it they can just take it to a centre.

"There is just no space - everybody is struggling."

She said it was also irresponsible for people to be allowing dogs to breed when there were so many living in rescue homes.

If the dogs handed in over Christmas remain unclaimed they will be available for fostering from Hillbrae.