ANIMAL shelters are getting ready for a sudden increase in the number of dumped pets.

Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter has already taken in two abandoned animals since Christmas.

They are a 12-week-old kitten and a cross terrier dog, Billy.

The kitten was found just days after Christmas, abandoned in a box outside the sanctuary in Great Lever.

The dog was found wandering the streets in Halliwell and brought to the shelter.

Deputy manager of the shelter, Sue Cleary said: "The kitten could have been an unwanted pet and we do not know the background of Billy. He had a collar on and seemed to be well cared for. He is a lovely dog and is soon to go to a new family.

"The kitten had a bout of pneumonia but is fine now and is with a lady who looks after rescued cats until a permanent home can be found."

Mrs Cleary said that the shelter's busiest time was in February and March.

"So far we have only had two, so it has been quieter than last year but it is not until later families find out how much pets need looking after so it could get busier," she said.

"People need educating about the responsibilities that go with having a pet. They still think that if they get a pet it will fit in with their family straight away and not realise how much looking after and house training they need."

The shelter is presently caring for 49 dogs and cats and the waiting list for unwanted pets to be placed in the shelter is five months long.

Other animal shelters looking after animals abandoned over the festive period include Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield.

Bull Mastiff Callum is looking to start the new year with a new home after being dumped on Christmas Eve.

Callum was brought to the sanctuary by a woman who was seen walking around the kennels before tying Callum to the gate and abandoning him.

A five-month-old puppy was also dumped just days before Christmas in the middle of the night.

The cross breed mongrel, which has been named Miss Fox, was found wandering around the sanctuary grounds on December 23.

Manager Neil Martin said: "We started off Christmas with no space but somehow managed to squeeze in four or five animals.

"But it was four or five that we had no room for."

Bleakholt, which has 500 animals, has more than 1,000 unwanted pets on a waiting list to be handed over to the sanctuary once room becomes available.

If you can offer Callum or Miss Fox a home, call Bleakholt on 08700 620530. The sanctuary is open from 10am to 4pm daily.