A DORSET dog rescue centre is worried several dogs will have to be put down during the festive season.

Dorset Dog Rescue says it is already inundated with dogs and fears pressure will rise over the Christmas period, leaving a large number of dogs without a home.

“Normally we’re the busiest just after Christmas, but this year it started in early November,” says founder Julia Liddle.

She added: “A lot of puppies get adopted in March but get taken back to us now, because they are no longer cute and fluffy but still need a lot of attention.

“People don’t want to deal with the expenses and that sort of responsibility around Christmas.”

The charity has a network of 42 foster carers who look after the dogs until they find a permanent home.

It has been running for five years, but with 45 dogs in its care this is the first time it has had to turn dogs away.

The website www.dorsetdogrescue.com tells of successful work, but also frustration as not everyone seems to understand the hard work a dog can be.