Cruel dog owners dumping their pets rather than put them in kennels while they’re away for Christmas
CRUEL dog owners are dumping their pups over Christmas - because they can't be bothered to put them in kennels.
Some of holidaymakers even try and adopt the pooches back after the break is over.
The Australian Animal Protection Society made the shocking claim after an influx of pets being dumped on their doorstep.
The charity's Vice President Sue Thompson said: "Quite often people go overseas for Christmas holidays and because it costs so much for kennels, they would prefer to get rid of them."
Others even leave gates and doors open while they leave so their pets can escape.
She added: "Some people leave a huge bag of food and what they think is enough water in the backyard for their dog, but it can end up nasty."
Fae Pawley from the Lost Dogs Home said it was "definitely a trend coming up to the holidays" - adding that her North Melbourne shelter is overcrowded with cats and kittens because owners didn't neuter their pets.
MOST READ IN NEWS
Owners of animals taken to council points are charged as much as they would be if they put their pets in commercial boarding facilities.
Dogs cost $65 for the first day and $15 each day after that - while cat owners lose out on $30 for the first day and $15 for each subsequent one.
Dog owners also face fines of up to $330 for leaving their pet "at large".