An average of more than one stray dog a day is being picked up by council animal wardens across the north-east.
Hundreds of pooches are collected across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray annually, according to new figures.
Over the past four years, a total of 1,768 canines were found by either dog wardens or members of the public and given to councils to be looked after.
Of these, 1,427 were reunited with their owners – either by being returned by a warden after having their microchip scanned, or by being claimed from kennels.
A further 317 found new homes with generous members of the public.
As well as these, dogs are also collected by wardens to be looked after if their owner is involuntarily unable to, such as if they are taken into custody or hospitalised with an illness.
However, the number of stray dogs collected across the north-east has been steadily declining.
In 2013-14 there were 615 picked up, while last year there were just 279.
Despite this, the Scottish SPCA said they were often left to pick up the pieces at this time of year.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said people still were not “getting the message” that animals should not be bought as a whim over the festive period – as often, within a few weeks, it is clear it is not working out.
He added: “We pick up the pieces.
“This means finding new homes for elderly animals who don’t understand why they are no longer wanted.
“It also means finding new homes for Christmas puppies and kittens.
“Sadly many people soon tire of their new pet and they are dumped on us or thrown away like rubbish.
“Our message is simple, a pet is a life-long commitment and not a present which can be given and then forgotten about soon afterwards.”
