Christmas message on caring for dogs as strays toll rises

More than 1,200 dogs were abandoned in the town over the last year, many of those early in the new year. Many strays from across Doncaster end up at Mount Pleasant Kennels in Hampole, which is home to more than 100 dogs at any one time.

Staff there work with members of the public and charities to rehome the animals.

Manager Amanda Sands at the Dogs Trust in Leeds, one of the charities that works to find homes for the dogs, said: "Any potential owner needs to be aware that dogs can live for up to 15 years, so taking one on is a long-term commitment. It's easy to fall in love with a cute puppy but they don't stay like that for long and you must be prepared to care for the fully grown version.

"There are lots of costs associated with dog ownership to consider too. These include food, insurance, microchipping, neutering, vaccinations, worming and flea treatments plus other vets bills – this can add up to over 1,000 a year."

Coun Cynthia Ransome, from Doncaster Council, added: "It is heartbreaking to see all of the abandoned dogs at the shelter. I would urge people to think very seriously about the responsibility and cost involved in keeping a dog before obtaining one."