A DOGS' home has received more unwanted presents this year.

Just before Christmas Day, four puppies were left at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, at Hill House Farm, in Sadberge, near Darlington.

Four six-week-old Staffordshire bull terriers were left there with their mother, Bessie.

They were taken to the home by a desperate owner who could no longer care for them, and staff expect many more puppies to join them.

Assistant manager Graeme Blackburn, 24, said: "This is typical for the time of year.

"Christmas is our busiest time of year and it will only get worse.

"These puppies were left by someone who could not take care of them, but often puppies are just dumped on our doorstep.

"It is not unusual to arrive for work and find a box with hungry puppies in."

There were no dogs left at the home on Christmas Day or yesterday, but Mr Blackburn expects more as the novelty of a new pet wears off.

He said: "We are expecting a lot more over the next few weeks.

"We would never turn an animal in need away, but it is a real stretch right now to accommodate them all.

"We have 30 puppies now, which is almost full capacity. It is a huge problem.

"Despite the message that is sent out every year, we are still inundated.

"In a way, these puppies have been lucky because we are looking after them. Unfortunately, others are not so lucky.

"At least these pups have had a home for Christmas. A lot are just dumped in bins or on streets."

Mr Blackburn believes it is the cost of dog ownership, as well as the time and patience needed, which shocks new owners.

He said: "Although they are adorable and look almost like toys, they will live for 13 years and cost around £8,000 over their lifetime.

"Getting a dog is not something that should be done on a whim because they look cute. We urge people to really think and to be responsible.

"A dog brings so much joy into your life, but we ask that people make sure that they can give that back to their dog too.

"People have been breeding them to sell at Christmas, and those dogs they have not sold have been thrown out.

"They are discarded like rubbish. It is heartbreaking."

The trust cares for more than 12,500 stray and abandoned dogs a year at its 15 UK rehoming centres.