Owners at Telford dog kennels have revealed a record number of dogs have arrived at their centre over the Christmas season.
Marty Burrell, of Hilbrae Pets Hotel in Cold Hatton, said she has seen 25 dogs come to the kennels over the last couple of weeks - including a young puppy who suffered brain damage due to the cold weather.
“We have been getting quite a lot of dogs,” said Mrs Burrell, “We have had 25 since Christmas Eve.
“We collected 25 from Telford and three from Shrewsbury. It is more than last Christmas.
“The worst one was early Saturday morning when somebody brought in a little puppy found in a cow barn in Edgmond.
“On the Sunday night he suddenly went downhill and had to be put down.
“He had brain damage because of the cold weather. Dogs can get so cold this time of year.”
Mrs Burrell said her New Year message to people is to give dogs a collar and tag to wear and to microchipp them so if they are lost they can be reunited with their owners.
Louise Cambell, centre manager at Roden Dog’s Trust, said although more canines were coming in this Christmas - plenty were being rehomed.
“We have got a lot of dogs going to homes,” she said. “There have been 34 dogs gone to homes this week and that is fantastic, really encouraging.”
Judith Haw, a spokesperson for the RSPCA, said: “It is obviously very concerning that the dogs stray.
“It is the responsibility of the owners who have taken on animals. If you give a home to an animal it is a life-time commitment you don’t just throw them away.
“The main message is if anyone does have a pet, seek help.”