MORE than 50 dogs and cats are being taken in by the RSPCA every day over the Christmas period. The charity has warned owners have an out with the old, in with the new attitude as pets are regularly abandoned over the festive holidays.

MORE than 50 dogs and cats are being taken in by the RSPCA every day over the Christmas period.

The charity has warned owners have an 'out with the old, in with the new' attitude as pets are regularly abandoned over the festive holidays.

Often there is no room at the inn, as centres across the country, including the RSPCA centre in Brent Knoll, are filled with animals and have to turn some away.

A South West spokesman for the charity said: "It could be that people don't want to take their dog out for walks in the dark, or they don't want their cat with tummy trouble bothering them when the in-laws come round for Christmas.

"Whatever the reason, it is very sad. We'd rather people brought their unwanted animals to us rather than discard them in some other way. If people aren't able to look after a pet for life, we'd rather they didn't take them on at all.