AN animal charity is bracing itself for the annual influx of unwanted dogs given as Christmas presents.

So far, no unwanted dogs have been handed in to National Animal Sanctuary Support League (NASSL), in Sadberge, near Darlington, but there are fears animals could soon be dumped.

Pauline Wilson, from NASSL, said: "We are usually quiet at this time of year, but come January when people go back to work and school, that is when the problems start.

"They don't realise what a big commitment they are taking on when they buy animals and that is when they come to us."