Full house at Raystede animal rescue centre

Managers at an East Sussex rescue centre say they are dealing with an unprecedented surge in unwanted animals, with numbers up one third on last year.

Staff at Raystede Animal Welfare Centre near Lewes will care for over 1,500 animals over Christmas, including 10 unwanted dogs brought to them on a single day this week.

Chief executive Nigel Mason said that, with the cost of rehoming each dog at £800, the centre was spending more funds than it was able to bring in over Christmas.