THE  RSPCA would "never advise" anyone to buy an animal for someone as a gift this Christmas as they see an abandonment increase in Dorset.

The current cost of living crisis is engulfing the nation and vulnerable "animals risk being overlooked" as calls to the RSPCA about abandonment and neglect have risen in Dorset.

The charity are warning people not to let animals "pay the price" of the cost of living crisis this Christmas. 

People are being advised to "carefully consider" their decision to purchase an animal, and they are being advised to "never" purchase an animal as a gift for someone else.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Pets can be an amazing addition to our lives, but we’d never advise anyone to buy an animal for someone else as a gift.

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"Taking on an animal should be really carefully considered by the person who is going to be responsible for them, so they can be absolutely certain they’re going to be able to provide that animal with the time, knowledge and finances to look after him or her.

"There’s a huge amount to consider from whether you have the time to dedicate to a pet, to the associated costs such as food, pet insurance, toys and bedding, grooming costs, vaccinations, parasite treatment, kennel or dog sitting costs and much more.

"We expect more animals will be neglected and abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to care for them.

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"We’re asking people, please don’t let animals pay the price of the cost of living crisis this Christmas."

A YouGov survey of more than 4,000 UK adults, revealed that the rising cost of living is a big concern to pet owners - 78% of pet owners think the cost of living will impact their animals, 68% expressed concern that the cost of care was increasing, and 19% said they were worried about how they'll afford to feed their pets.