Dogsey

On the night before Christmas, there was one British home where plenty of creatures were stirring.

More than 180 animals are currently being cared for at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and they still need a home.

Some dogs have been waiting more than a year to be rehoused and the Home is bracing itself for another wave of puppies and kittens after the Christmas novelty wears off.

Laura Cushway, a rehomer at the centre, has her fingers crossed one of her "long-stays" will find a home these holidays - like Lola, who spends her nights in foster care but has been waiting patiently for a permanent home for more than two months.

Intake co-ordinator Woody Woodford-Price said: "For this time of year, some people are looking to rehome their animals because they're going away for Christmas - they've got parties planned and they want to bring their animals in to the home.

"But there have been cases where dogs haven't matched the sofa, or it just doesn't fit in with their lifestyle. People do buy these things as fashion accessories, and it's not, of course."

He added: "People don't realise how much it's actually going to cost to feed an animal, the time that's involved ... Like children, they have to be fed, kept clean, with fresh water and food and of course medical treatment as well."