Shelter ready for abandoned pets

Everything is treated as disposable, including dogs, Ms Godsall said

Staff at Cheltenham Animal Shelter are bracing themselves for a rush of unwanted yuletide pets.

The charity has already taken a number of abandoned dogs in the run-up to Christmas Day.

One was left by the parents of a man in jail, who were unable to care for his pet; another was left by a family going away for the festive season.

"It used to pick up in January, but it starts earlier each year," said Lynn Godsall from the centre.

"People think everything is disposable these day, including dogs," she said.

"They don't realise the time and commitment it takes to own a pet, so they dump them here."

This year, staff at the shelter are holding an in-house competition for the best-decorated Santa Claus hat, to raise money to buy fresh chicken for the dogs' and cats' Christmas treat.