Unwanted dogs need new homes

Animal Ark is now urgently seeking new homes for almost two dozen dogs that arrived over the festive period.

The rescue centre took in 23 stray or unwanted dogs in the weeks leading up to Christmas, compared with just seven dogs during the same period in 2010.

Animal Ark’s Karen McIlroy fears that figure will soar again in February as some people seek to get rid of dogs they may have received as Christmas gifts.

“Most of the dogs we have at the moment were found as strays, but a few weeks into the new year we usually find more dogs being abandoned as some people decide they cannot cope with looking after them,” Karen added.

“We have several breeds of dogs that currently need re-homed, including a Staffy, a Doberman, Lurcher puppies, a Jack Russell, a Beagle and many more.

“All the dogs are good natured, but can get a bit distressed if they are kept in the kennels for too long. I would urge anyone interested in giving any of these animals a good home to get in touch or come and see us ASAP.”

Animal Ark is located at 60 Paisley Road, and you can contact the shelter on 028 9344 3168.

Meanwhile, dog owners are urged to make sure they have some kind of identification so council staff can identify them. The local authority also recommends that pets should be microchipped.