SUFFOLK'S branch of the RSPCA received less calls about pets being abandoned over this festive period than they did last year.There were a total of 12 calls this year, compared to 14 the previous year for the same period.

SUFFOLK'S branch of the RSPCA received less calls about pets being abandoned over this festive period than they did last year.

There were a total of 12 calls this year, compared to 14 the previous year for the same period. This bucks the general trend across the whole of the Eastern region, which saw an increase in calls.

In total, there were 309 calls from people concerned about abandoned animals in Eastern England in the two weeks following Christmas Eve (December 24 to January 6). In 2006 there were just 199 calls.

There were high increases in Lincolnshire and Buckinghamshire.

Tim Wass, RSPCA East regional superintendent said: “Christmas is supposed to be a time of goodwill which should apply to animals as well as humans - pets should not be forgotten or thrown out with the rubbish because we're bored with them or have acquired a 'better' model.

“Despite repeated pleas to the public not to abandon pets, our animal centres are full and we have seen more abandoned animals in the East this Christmas than ever before.”

To find out about rehoming an animal from the RSPCA, call the centre at Martlesham on 01463 623280.