Pendle Council’s dog welfare officers are urging people to think carefully before buying dogs as Christmas presents.

Laura Robinson, of Barnoldswick, one of Pendle’s dog welfare officers, is backing the campaign.

She said: “Looking after a dog properly takes up a lot of time and costs money. And although they are cute when they are little, people need to remember that puppies grow into big dogs that need a lot of care and attention.”

Barnoldswick Police Community Support Officer Rosie Bennett can confirm that.

Just over a year ago she took in one of four boxer cross puppies found abandoned in a Nelson backyard. Now Kai is fully-grown and takes a lot of looking after.

Rosie said: “I’d been considering getting a dog before I heard of the abandoned puppies, so already knew what I was getting into.

“Looking after Kai takes up a lot of my time and money. But he is a member of our family now and I just wouldn’t be without him.

“To anyone thinking of getting a dog, I’d say do your research first.”

The average price for looking after a dog is around £680 a year. This includes such things as injections, flea treatment, kennelling, insurance, microchipping, food, worming and training.

During 2009, there has been an increase in the amount of people signing over their dogs to the council.

Dog welfare officer Katrina Bullas said: “People contact us for help when they can’t cope with the dog or no longer want it. As we’ve had more people than usual doing this over the year, we wonder if there’s a link to the credit crunch.

“Signing the dog over to our care is a better option than just throwing the dog out onto the streets. We make sure the dog is safe and set about finding it a new home.”

Pendle’s dog welfare officers have picked up 297 strays this year.

Laura said: “Many of these dogs are undernourished and we’ve have seen a steady increase in the number of dogs with easily treatable health issues, such as fleas and worms. But the necessary treatments do cost money and, with many people cutting back on their spending this year, it’s possible that the dogs are suffering as a result.”

Coun John David, the lead member for operational services and a dog owner himself, said: “If you have any doubts about being able to provide the basics, then please don’t get a dog.”

For more information about dog welfare in Pendle , contact 01282 661763.