THE RSPCA is urging pet owners to show more kindness to their animals in 1999 after inspectors and rescue centres spent a hectic festive period dealing with pet casualties.

The Christmas holiday has seen the charity inundated in Bolton with discarded older dogs, an abandoned pair of puppies, and cats injured in road accidents.

And Kathy Kay, who heads Bolton's hard working RSPCA team of volunteers, admits that they are finding it increasingly difficult to cope.

And the situation is as bleak in the Destitute Animal Shelter in Northolt Drive, Great Lever, which has been full to capacity over the season of 'goodwill'.

Neil Martin from the shelter said: "Just last week a teenager who wanted a new puppy for Christmas dumped the family pet dog at the sanctuary pretending it was stray. It's unbelievable what people do to their animals."

On the first day of business after Christmas the sanctuary was faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem.

There was only one vacant space for a dog, but seven needed accommodation.

"Fortunately we managed to deal with them one by one," said Neil, who yesterday was preparing for the arrival of seven cats left homeless after their owner died.

Because the cats are used to each other, Neil is hoping they will be adopted in multiples of two or three.

Problem

At the RSPCA Kathy Kay says that finding homes for large numbers of pets whose owners have died is becoming an increasing problem.

"We can't stop people having pets but we would like to discourage people from keeping large numbers," she said. Earlier this month animal rescuers were faced with finding homes for 10 greyhounds which had been neglected after a dying man went into hospital.

"People should consider what will become of their pets if something happens to them. They need to be more responsible and think about the future," said Kathy.

She said another growing problem for the RSPCA was the number of injured cats it is called on to care for.

"We've had five cats, all victims of road accidents, in as many days. And we just can't cope. We would appeal to people to get their pets tagged and collared because when we find these cats we don't know where they come from. We don't have any facilities at the office and all our foster people are full. I just don't know what we'll do if we get another accident."

Both Kathy and Neil urged people considering getting a pet to think of taking on a rescue animal.

"Rescue animals need time, patience love and attention. They are not furry ornaments, but they do make very good friends and companions," said Neil.

THE People's Dispensary for Sick Animals is appealing for unwanted gifts.

The PDSA shops in Bolton, Bury and Leigh play a vital role in raising funds to continue the treatment of sick and injured pets. They rely on donations of quality goods, and say all unwanted Christmas presents will be welcomed.

PDSA shops rely on voluntary help and donations of quality stock. Potential volunteers can obtain an information pack by telephoning the freephone on 0800 854194. Donations can be made directly to the shops.

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