The RSPCA has seen  a 24% increase in reports of pets being abandoned and the organisation fear this number will rise significantly in the run up to Christmas.

A spokesperson said “Animals need us now, more than ever, before the cost-of-living crisis costs them their lives. Like every year, our dedicated animal rescuers will be spending Christmas on the road, responding to every urgent call they can.”

Animal shelters have reported that older dogs are being brought to them as owners plan to buy a new puppy for Christmas.

Locally the USPCA is campaigning for a law to stop the sale of puppies online.

A spokesperson said “The USPCA works to highlight the shameful trade that is Illegal Puppy Farming and Trading in Northern Ireland.

“Puppies are exchanged for hundreds of pounds out of car boots in carparks and laybys all over the country with little or no thought given to how they were bred, what vaccinations they have or the consequences of buying a sick dog that could cost thousands of pounds in vet bills if they survive the first few months of life.

“At our Animal Hospital in Newry our Vets see too many sad cases of distraught families with puppies they love suffering from disease or genetic abnormalities that cannot be cured as a result of these illegal puppy dealers.

“The illegal puppy farmer/dealer exploits the unregulated online sales platforms to gain access to the unsuspecting public; often posing as a caring hobby breeder. The USPCA is calling for greater regulation to clearly identify and stop these cruel and illegal puppy farmers/dealers.”