A kennel in Wickford has condemned heartless dog owners after enduring its worst Christmas ever for waifs and strays.

The motto "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas", was ignored by many this year, it seems.

The situation was so bad that one dog, a Rottweiler, died after being found in a dreadful state in Grays in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Gemini Kennels has had 11 new arrivals since Christmas Eve, a situation that has left the Hovefield Avenue-based kennels full to overflowing.

Many came in as early as Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as owners realised they couldn't cope with their new pets.

Three of the kennels' new arrivals were set to be rehoused yesterday, but those still there include a Yorkshire terrier, a border collie, a lurcher, two puppies and a poodle, all left to fend for themselves over the festive period.

Anna Mart, kennel hand, said the death of the Rottweiler, which was horrendously thin and neglected when found, was "heartbreaking".

She said: "It had absolutely no chance. They tried hard for two days but to no avail.

"It's been the worst Christmas I can remember - we've never had it so bad. Usually after Christmas Eve we get quite a few in but this year has been unbelievable.

"It's disgusting but I don't know what could be done about it.

"Maybe dogs should be microchipped so we could find the owners and they could be prosecuted."

If you can offer one of these pooches a home, call the kennels on 01268 725825.

Christmas tragedy - Michael Feiler of Gemini Kennels with some of the unwanted hounds

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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