Three Angus puppies given as Christmas presents have already been found abandoned in sub-zero temperatures.
Angus Help for Abandoned Animals (AHAA) welcomed the first batch of dumped dogs found this year to its base at Kinaldie Kennels just outside Arbroath.
The unwanted trio includes a three-month-old cross Jack Russell, a nine-month-old rottweiler bitch and a nine-month-old cross lurcher terrier.
All three pups were found in the Forfar area, with a five-year-old cross spaniel collie, ditched by its owner in Montrose, also due to arrive.
AHAA vice-chairman Ian Robb said that it was common to start finding dogs left in towns and in the countryside at this time of year.
He said, “We are hardly into the new year and already we are seeing people abandoning puppies that they got for Christmas.
“Part of the problem is just ignorance. People think they are great toys for Christmas to have a play around with, but they don’t realise the puppy isn’t house trained and will start making a mess of their home.”
He added, “People just don’t seem to think ahead and we see the same thing happening every year.”
Abandoned animals in Angus are usually first reported to police before being transferred to the local authority dog wardens department to be housed in the kennels.Novelty ‘wears off’If a dog has not been claimed after seven days it is handed over to Ian and his team, who look after it until a new owner can be found.
Last month it was revealed that the number of abandoned dogs in Angus dropped by 20% over 2010.
AHAA carry out presentations in schools to drum home the message that dumping unwanted canines is not acceptable and can carry a criminal charge.
The Scottish SPCA confirmed causing an animal unnecessary suffering carries penalties of up to a maximum of 12 months in prison, a fine of up to £20,000 or both.
Anyone found guilty can also be banned from keeping any animals for life.
SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Calls relating to abandonments have gone down this Christmas although we do expect that number to increase over the next few months when the novelty of having a new pet wears off for some people and they want rid of them.
“Sadly, March and April are very busy months for our centres as they are full of unwanted pets that people have got at Christmas time.”
According to the Dogs Trust, wardens picked up 107,228 abandoned dogs in Britain last year.