Animal charity workers have been inundated with people dumping their pets before Christmas.

In the last ten days, almost 30 pets have been dumped on the RSPCA's Patcham centre.

Jenny Wells, manager at the centre in Braypoll Lane, Patcham, said: "It seems worse this Christmas than any other year. We've had dogs tied up outside our gates, rabbits, cats and kittens dumped.

"It seems as if people haven't made arrangements for their pets at Christmas and it's a stressful time and the animals are easy to get rid of".

The centre is not re-homing any of the pets until after Christmas to prevent people buying them as impulse gifts."

Jenny added: "If you want to take on animals they are a lifelong commitment. People seem to be treating them as if they are a disposable item."

The centre is desperate for food for the pets over the Christmas period.

Anyone who wants to donate food can drop it into the centre or call 01273 554218.