AN animal charity is issuing tips to make this Christmas a happy one for pets.

RSPCA officials working in the North-East and North Yorkshire are calling for every pet owner to follow its top ten festive tips.

At the same time, the charity is relaunching a national advertising campaign to drive home the message that pets are a lifetime commitment.

An award-winning advert, which will be shown nationally in the run-up to Christmas, emphasises the society's message not to buy animals as gifts.

Alan Wolinski, regional manager for the RSPCA in Yorkshire and the North-East, said: "It is a very hard-hitting advert and was very successful when it was shown last Christmas.

"Every year, we have to deal with animals that are abandoned once the novelty has worn off. We hope the commercial will make people think twice about buying pets as Christmas presents."

The RSPCA has issued a number of festive tips:

l Don't give pets as presents

l Don't leave pets at home alone if you go away this Christmas

l If you are taking your pet away with you, make sure it has water and exercise

l Keep your pet in a quiet room away from loud bangs and party poppers

l Keep Christmas decorations out of pets' reach

l Never give pets bones as they could choke

l Try to stick to your usual care routine

l Don't buy your pet toys that can be swallowed or choked on

l Don't forget about animals kept outside

l Make sure you have details of emergency vets

Last year, The Northern Echo launched its award-winning Animal Watch campaign, in conjunction with the RSPCA, to highlight the region's appalling record of animal cruelty.

The campaign continues to rely on public support to inform RSPCA officials or police of suspicion of cruelty against animals.