THIS is the look of loneliness which highlights the suffering caused by abandoning animals over Christmas.

Five-week old Urchin, a terrier cross, is just one of the animals taken to East Lancashire animal shelters over the festive period.

Three dogs, including Urchin, were admitted to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary near Edenfield - despite the centre being full - and are now being looked after by staff.

Blind and deaf Popeye, a 14-year-old brown and white cross breed, was found abandoned on the moors in Helmshore a few days after Christmas.

Urchin was brought into the shelter soon afterwards.

It is thought the terrier cross was causing difficulties for an owner with allergy problems.

Jess, an 18-month old collie cross, was found tied to the front gates of the charity's property in Bury Old Road, Edenfield.

Neil Martin, general manager of the sanctuary, said, "We were completely full in the run up to Christmas but both Popeye and Urchin were priority cases and we had to bring them in.

"Jess was brought to us by a man who said she was a stray.

"I told him if that was the case she would need to be taken to the dog warden, who would put her in a kennel.

"About 20 minutes later we found her tied to the gate."

Mr Martin added: "It is terrible that these animals were not in a loving home over Christmas.

"It should be very easy to rehouse the two younger dogs but Popeye doesn't have much going for him.

"However, we never put a dog down so he will stay here with us."

The sanctuary also took in a skewbald pony, named Rupert, over Christmas.

The animal, which is around 20 years old, had been abandoned by travellers in Manchester after they moved on to a different site.

Mr Martin said: "Rupert had been plagued by children treating him badly and he can no longer be ridden.

"We only admit horses that can't be rehomed so he will also stay here with us."

Dog wardens in Hyndburn picked up 12 stray animals, which were taken to Aspen Valley Kennels in Oswaldtwistle.

They joined 11 puppies which were abandoned before Christmas.

The RSPCA centre in Altham did not take in any new cases over Christmas, to highlight the message that animals shouldn't be given as festive presents, but is now facing a different problem.

Branch manager Ken Harrison said: "We have not had any abandoned pets this Christmas, which is very unusual, but our adoptions have been drying up and the animals that we do have are not finding new homes.

"We desperately want to find them new owners who will love and care for them."

  • Visit the website below for more information on adopting dogs and cats from Bleakholt.