THE Scottish SPCA's animal rescue and rehoming centres had a "staggering" 890 animals in their care this Christmas.

It was business as usual yesterday for the staff at the charity's centres, which are open 365 days a year and house pets that have been abandoned or ill-treated.

Superintendent Sharon Comrie said: "It's a heartbreaking reality that there are lots of pets without loving homes to call their own this Christmas time.

"However, thanks to our dedicated staff, no animal in our care spent Christmas Day alone and we even made sure they all got a little treat from Santa.

"The animals here are relying on us as they don't have anywhere else to go, so it's simply not an option for us to close over the holidays.

"We'll be here for them throughout Christmas and New Year, ensuring they're fed, watered and exercised every day as usual."

She said that while abandoned, neglected and injured animals would continue to be taking in over the festive period, the charity was not rehoming young animals such as puppies and kittens until January 3 to "prevent them being taken on by someone who just wants a new pet for Christmas".

She added: "However, those genuinely wishing to offer a young animal a permanent home can come along to meet them and they can be reserved.

"There are also lots of older pets in our care who are ready and waiting to find their forever homes right now.

"The public are always welcome to pop in to our centres, whether it's to meet an animal they're interested in rehoming, donate food or toys for our homeless pets, or simply just to say hello."

The Scottish SPCA's animal rescue and rehoming centres are open from 10am-4pm seven days a week.