PEOPLE have been urged not to buy pets as presents this Christmas unless they can give them the care and love they need, following the death of two abandoned puppies.

The call from Wychavon District Council comes after a Jack Russell and her three one-day-old puppies were found in the district this week. Wychavon's dog warden Pip Singleton said they were very cold and malnourished - two of the puppies have since died.

The mother and remaining pup are still receiving veterinary treatment and are described as being in a poor condition.

"This is a very sad case and just shows how heartless some people can be," she said.

"We see issues like this every Christmas and I would urge anyone thinking of buying a dog to wait until the new year. Often cute pets are bought on a whim for Christ-mas and then owners find they cannot cope with them and dump them.

"All dog owners must make sure that their dogs are wearing collars and ID tags at all times and must not allow dogs to stray at any time."

Anyone wanting further advice can contact Pip on 01386 565249.