A TRAFFORD animal rescue centre is warning the public against buying pets as Christmas presents this year following some heartbreaking cases of abandonment.

The Society for Abandoned Animals at Mosley Acre Farm recently re-homed a cat and her family of kittens who had been left near the charity’s gates in a box bearing the message ‘Merry Christmas’.

Punctured with air holes and with ‘help’ scrawled on the lid, staff found Laura and her three kittens cowering inside.

“Happily they have all been re-homed after a month recovering here,” said Laura Messenger, fundraiser at the Society.

“It might be tempting to ask Santa for a kitten or puppy this Christmas, but owning an animal is a commitment that lasts a lifetime – the lifetime of that animal.

“Sadly, at this time of year too many animals are bought as presents, only to end up in a rescue home a few months later.”

The society already turns away at least five animals every day due to lack of space and funds, and they are expecting the figure to rise over December and January.

“Too many people don’t consider the responsibility involved in owning an animal,” added Laura. “Of course a kitten is cute, but too many people want to give the animal back after it has grown into an adult.

“A rabbit can live for 10 years, a cat for more than twenty. If you’re buying a present for your son or daughter, remember it’s you that will have to care for that animal in the long run.”

To help raise funds for their animals over the festive period, the society is holding a Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 29, at Timperley Methodist Church Hall, 11am-3pm.

There will be a Santa’s Grotto, plenty of cakes, live music, Christmas games and crafts.

There will also be the opportunity to win a hamper of pet goodies, courtesy of PetSafe. PetSafe international marketing director, Angela Critchley, said: “The animals in the shelter deserve to have the best care around and hopefully by donating our products we will help to raise a significant amount of money to make this possible.”

Admission is £1 for adults, 50p for children, with all proceeds going towards the animals in the society’s care.