Pets dumped for Christmas

THE spirit of Christmas did not extend to many of mankind s best friends as the Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in Ringmer will testify.

Over yuletide, staff have seen an alarming increase in unwanted animals handed over to their care.

They currently have 26 dogs in their kennels, which were designed to take 20, with a waiting list of a further 20.

The cattery is full, with 30 animals, and there is a waiting list of 15.

And the small animals section has 90 rats, as well as assorted rabbits and guinea pigs waiting for new homes.

All this was before and during Christmas.

Said Jason Caulfield, animal care manager: 'The tragedy of this particular story is that many more animals will arrive at Raystede six or seven weeks into the New Year as initially enthusiastic new pet owners find their animals require more time and effort than they had expected.

'With Raystede, and other sanctuaries like it, already struggling, the New Year looks bleak for some animals through no fault of their own.

'The message is simple: Don t give a pet as a gift unless you are absolutely sure that the recipient will be committed to its life-long care.

Four sad cases:

l Fat Boy Slim was a grossly overweight cross-collie found abandoned and tied by rope to the Raystede veterinary practice.

He has since lost four kilos and now really needs an active, loving home.

l Cassie, an 18-month-old Welsh collie, has been at Raystede since May. She had been teased and tormented by children and has been left with a mistrust of people. She needs needs someone willing to give her time and lots of energy.

l Tiggy, a long-haired black eight-year-old cat has been re-homed in Raystede twice. In both cases her new owners died.

l Ruglet, a six-year-old short-haired tortoise-shell, is the victim of a marriage break-up. Many of these older cats still have much love to give.

If you feel you could offer a new home to one of Raystede s animals, contact the centre on 01825 840252 for details and an application form.