IT IS that time of the year again when animal welfare experts make their annual cry: "A pet is for life, not just for Christmas.''

But with still three weeks to go to the festive season, one animal shelter is already putting up the "no room at the inn" signs.

Rose Milne, rescue co-ordinator at Second Chance Animal Rescue in Southampton, has pleaded for foster carers to come forward to take some of the strain.

"It's 50 per cent up on normal. We have 30 dogs waiting to come in, and they have nowhere to go," she said.

"Already we have had two dogs tied to our gate this year.

"We tend to squeeze them in when we can, but this year is exceptional. After Christmas will be okay, as generally you can re-home a dog in early January."

She said that if the Mansbridge shelter could not take the dogs, irresponsible owners might dump them.

"We can't take them in, but the question is what will happen to them?

"You'll find them abandoned, left by the side of the road, or the dog warden might pick them up, and wardens are choc-a-bloc as it is," she said.

The rescue co-ordinator also urged parents not to get a dog for Christmas.

"Most of the dogs we get are under one year old. Most of them are toys for children or a holiday whim," she said.

"If you haven't thought long and hard, about it, don't give a dog or any animal."

* To become a foster carer or to help out by sponsoring a kennel space for a dog for £20, call Rose Milne at the Mansbridge Road shelter on 023 8055 9552.