BOLTON'S Destitute Animal Shelter warns that there is "no room at the inn" for more abandoned animals over the hectic Christmas season.

The shelter in Northolt Drive, Great Lever, is already packed to capacity with stray dogs and cats, and is currently unable to rehouse any more.

Sadly, after the "season of goodwill" the shelter is almost certain to be inundated with yet more unwanted pets as the novelty of getting a pet for Christmas wears off and reality sets in.

"We are full all year round but after New Year there are a lot more people trying to get rid of unwanted pets," said Zoe Orchard, a worker at the shelter.

The news comes as the RSPCA today launches a powerful advertising campaign, hammering home the message that a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.

The TV advert, which will be shown nationally until Christmas Eve, emphasises the society's annual message not to buy animals as Christmas presents.

It shows a family excitedly playing with a new puppy on Christmas morning. By the end of the commercial the novelty has worn off and the puppy faces being abandoned.

RSPCA animal centres throughout the country are already packed to capacity with unwanted pets, and staff are horrified at the growing number of animals they find abandoned on their doorstep.

"Every year we have to deal with a tide of abandoned animals and it is shocking that people can simply cast out their pets when the novelty wears off," said spokesman Dominic Rudd.

"Animals require care for the duration of their lifetime and it is not a decision that can be taken lightly or on behalf of anyone else." The message is echoed by the Destitute Animal Shelter staff who advise people not to buy animals over the holiday period.

"I would tell people to leave it until well after the New Year when they've seriously thought about it, and the responsibilities that go with having a pet," said Zoe.

"Buying a pet around this busy period causes a lot of stress for the animal as well," she added.

But staff hope that caring local people will still come forward after Christmas to offer homes to stray and abandoned animals -- to give them a better future.