Pets are common gifts for Christmas, despite animal charities warning that they should “never be given as gifts” due to the lifelong commitment that comes with owning them. But hundreds are expected to receive puppies as gifts over the festive period, with the Labrador Retriever being the most popular breed in the UK, according to research by Statista. And with the cost of living crisis continuing, animal shelters are warning of the long-term cost of keeping pets, with dogs costing around £2,000 a year.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said they see an increase in animals being brought in in the spring and summer which they believe could be linked to pets that have been gifted at Christmas time.
Steve Craddock, London Centre Manager at Battersea, said: “Whilst Battersea doesn’t usually see an increase in the number of animals arriving at Christmas, we do however notice more animals being brought to our centres during the Spring and summertime.
“We believe this could be due to animals being bought as Christmas presents a few months earlier, with many of these animals arriving as strays,…
