Dogs Trust inundated with calls to re-home unwanted Christmas pets

Dogs Trust has said it has seen a 50% spike in calls from people who want to give up the dogs they got for Christmas.

The charity based in Finglas said January is always a busy time for them but they have been inundated this year.

The Trust said it is a record number of calls for one day, with the average number of calls through January normally around 25 to 30 calls daily.

It is now receiving up to 230 surrender calls weekly.

Currently, Dogs Trust is caring for 163 dogs and puppies and it said it does not have the capacity to cater for the number of surrender requests received.

It is encouraging owners considering giving up their dog, to consider training and behavioural advice which may solve some of the difficulties being experienced.