The RSPCA asks people to think carefully before buying a dog

Each year the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals asks parents to think carefully before giving dogs away as presents.

But even before the post-Christmas increase in abandoned dogs, a number have already been handed in to the centre in Blackpool.

RSPCA manager, Andrew McMillan, says the message is not getting through.

"We've had one woman bring in a puppy that ate her child's presents and messed up her house and now doesn't want it," he said.

Mr McMillan said the animal rehoming centre in Blackpool is now at capacity which bodes ill for dogs coming in after the holiday.

"If we cannot find a home for an animal we may have to make some tough decisions."