York's animal shelter is packed out with unwanted cats and dogs who now need new homes.

RUFF JUSTICE: Dylan, a two-and-a-half-year-old Labrador/Alsatian cross, who is the longest canine resident at the RSPCA animal shelter in York and is desperately in need of a home Picture: Nigel Holland

Lauren Flanagan, a spokeswoman for the RSCPA, said: "People actually tied pets to the gates outside the centre."

"This situation could be due to a number of factors, including financial pressures because of Christmas and the Millennium, relatives visiting and people going away, which results in people abandoning their pets. People have even traded in old pets for younger ones."

Although RSPCA centres were relatively quiet over the holiday period, they are starting to get busier again as people begin to tire of their new Christmas presents, now realising that it takes time, patience and money to look after them.

Elaine Murdoch, manageress at the RSPCA shelter in Landing Lane, York, said: "The situation will worsen around March or April, when they will need vaccinating and spaying.

"It's a busy period at the moment and the situation is getting worse throughout the year, too."

The RSPCA is under immense pressure because of the number of animals that have been brought in and is appealing to anyone who can offer a loving home to an unwanted animal to pop along to their nearest centre where staff will be pleased to have a chat with them.

"On the positive side, we have had a good response so far," says Elaine.

"However, we still have lots of animals who desperately need loving homes, particularly rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, hens, even cockerels."

The centre is also appealing for any donations of food, blankets, toys and volunteers to help exercise the animals.

For further information call York RSPCA on 01904 654949.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.