RESCUE CENTRE'S PLEA Battersea Dogs and Cats Home flooded with unwanted pets bought as Christmas presents from social media

Britain's most famous rescue centre has urged people not to give dogs and cats on a whim after receiving 28 pups in past fortnight alone.

The Sun reports that Britain’s best known dog rescue centre is being flooded with unwanted puppies - many bought on Facebook for Christmas.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has taken in 28 pups in the past two weeks alone from owners who don’t want them any more. The London charity has also given homes to 13 stray pups aged under a year found wandering the streets.

Many owners admit they bought the cute pets on a whim then realised they couldn’t cope with the demands of looking after them. And increasing numbers are being sold by dealers and breeders on social media sites.

One example is three-month-old Liam, a mongrel pup who was bought on Facebook just before Christmas but dropped off at the home two weeks later. Battersea’s Intake Manager, Steven Craddock, said: “We’ve seen a big increase in the number of young dogs needing new homes this year, many bought on impulse. Their owners are doing the right thing by bringing them into Battersea rather than dumping them on the street or trying to sell them, but it’s concerning to see these numbers rising."

One example is three-month-old Liam, a mongrel pup who was bought on Facebook just before Christmas but dropped off at the home two weeks later.

Battersea’s Intake Manager, Steven Craddock, said: "While we all know how easy it is to fall in love with a cute puppy, the reality is that these youngsters need a lot of time, attention, food and exercise. They may be small but they grow bored easily and can be destructive if they’re left alone for too long. We’d just like to urge anyone considering taking on a puppy to be responsible. Do your research and think about whether you have the time and space.”