A RSPCA boss has warned people to think twice before giving a pet as a Christmas present.

Mandy Miller, animal centre manager of the Bradford and District Branch of RSPCA, said the message was getting across about not making a "snap decision" to give animals on Christmas Day, but people are still abandoning animals at this time of year.

She spoke of her frustration that pets can be neglected after the festive period, as animals can sometimes fail to fit into families' busy lifestyles.

Mrs Miller said: "It's frustrating that people get animals for presents. There are people who still do it. I thought we had put the message across.

"It's a busy time of the year, especially if people have children. It can be quite stressful. It's too disruptive for the animal.

"It's the wrong time of the year for people to introduce an animal at home.

"The novelty wears off, it might seem nice to get a kitten or puppy at Christmas.

"We would ask people to seriously think about it. I would say to people to leave it until after Christmas."

The Mount Street branch will be open every day over the festive period apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

But it has now stopped handing over its animals for adoption to new owners until after Christmas although people can come into the branch and reserve an animal from December 28.

Mrs Miller said staff get an increase in work over the festive period as unwanted pets are dumped with the charity as they do not want to be "burdened" by the animals.

She called for responsible ownership and for people to consider their decision as they may have to live with a pet for 20 years and need to be fully committed.

She said the much-used slogan, 'an animal is for life, not just for Christmas' still rang true and she warned that existing animal owners can also be part of the problem.

"In the run-up to Christmas, people want to get rid of their animals because of the Christmas period. People don't want to be burdened with it sometimes," shed said..

"People have to think how long they will have that animal for. They could be with you for the next 20 years. They have to think about their lifestyle.

"It should not be a snap decision. There is a lot more to it.

"It's a big decision. We don't really advise giving pets as presents.

"When you get an animal, it's for life."

For more information, go to rspca-bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 723063.