PET owners have been warned to "paws for thought" before giving up on their animals after the RSPCA compiled a list of shameful excuses.
The shaggy dog stories of why owners can no longer cope with their pets have been compiled as part of a new survey.
Among excuses given at Altham Animal Centre, run by the Lancashire East branch of the RSPCA in Enfield Road, Altham, near Accrington were "Our dog gets jealous when we sit together."
Other reasons for dumping a doggy were "We don't have a garden any more and I can't cope with having to walk the dog" and "I can't read the newspaper in peace because he wants my attention all the time."
Now the RSPCA says the survey's results prove that too many people have a 'throwaway attitude' to animals and pet ownership. Jeanette Ainscough, manager at the Altham centre said: "We have a reaction of disbelief with some of the excuses when the animals are only wanting attention because they are loving and giving.
"It is a shame that with a bit of work and behavioural training these so called problems can be easily over come and owners persevered. It is really hard when they are bad excuses."
Staff at the Altham centre are left feeling deflated by people's attitudes, but Jeanette added: "There are a lot of genuine people and we must stress we take pets as soon as we have room."
RSPCA regional manager Kay Brandist said: "Owning an animal is a privilege, not a right." The message from the RSPCA is clear -- you must understand the full financial and physical commitment that goes with pet ownership before you acquire an animal.
"Too many people realise the extent of the commitment too late and then expect the RSPCA to sort out the mess."
The RSPCA's animal centres in Liverpool, Southport, Warrington, Wallasey, Preston, Blackpool, Oldham and Altham took part in the survey.
Mrs Brandist added: "The survey's findings make for astonishing reading. That people want to off-load their animals is a sad indictment of modern attitudes towards animals.
"We must reverse this trend and encourage people to seek proper advice before becoming a pet owner."
The RSPCA offers a range of leaflets and guidance booklets on how to care properly for different types of animals.
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