Scottish animal charity warns people in Edinburgh and the Lothians about pitfalls of buying pets for Christmas

The Scottish SPCA is urging people in Edinburgh and the Lothians to be aware of the pitfalls of buying a pet for Christmas.

During the period that people cannot rehome pets, the public will still be able to visit.

The charity's rescue and rehoming centres stop rehoming pets over the festive period every year to avoid people taking an animal home as a gift.

While all centres are open for the public to visit, between 19 December and 3 January it will not be possible to rehome a young animal from them.

The charity cares for animals which are unwanted after the festive period

“People should consider the commitment they are making when taking on any animal.

“Animals need attention, care and love which is a life-long obligation.

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“Food, veterinary treatment and toys to provide mental stimulation can be very costly so there is also the financial commitment to think about with any pet.

“In the worst cases, unwanted pets can be abandoned. This is a criminal offence, and needless to say, extremely distressing for the animal.

“It’s not just young animals that come to us, older animals can be discarded to make way for new ones. People in the past have brought an elderly dog to us before going to pick up a new puppy and sadly this is more common than you would expect.

“We would like to ensure everyone, animals included, have a wonderful Christmas.

“But, we want to ensure this happy ending extends to the rest of the animal’s life, not just the weeks after.”