Dog rescue charity facing 'worst year'

Jane Galliford says many people are unprepared for life as a pet owner

A dog rescue centre has warned it is struggling with its "worst year" amid a deluge of calls from people looking to give up their pets.

Maxi's Mates, near Guisborough, currently has about 55 animals on site and has built a further five kennels to expand its capacity.

Jane Galliford, one of the charity's founders, believes many people are letting their animals go because they are struggling to meet the costs of everyday living, while others are unprepared for life with a dog.

The organisation, set up 13 years ago, is contacted by more than 25 people on its busiest days.

Ms Galliford told BBC Radio Tees: "We get calls every day from people wanting to surrender their dogs.

"It can be for a number of reasons - the cost of living crisis, they're going through tough times with their mental health, they've split up with their partner or are being evicted and can't take their dog with them."

Further issues, she says, are caused by the number of animals that have not been properly trained or socialised.

'Part of the family'

Collectively, the difficulties are affecting morale with Ms Galliford describing staff and volunteers as "not having enough hours in the day".

"It's the worst year we've experienced. The dogs that are coming in hate other dogs.

"It's really, really difficult. We love every dog and try to do our best for them, but there are a lot here you couldn't just take out for a walk.

"They need an experienced handler to watch our for their issues."

It is not the first time the organisation has been faced with looking after high numbers of pets.

Two years ago it issued an urgent appeal after its kennels reached full capacity.

Ms Galliford is now repeating a plea for people to think carefully before getting a dog.

"Do your research. A cute little Belgian malinois, for example, turns into a big dog.

"If you're not active enough to fulfil their need for exercise then you're going to have a problem dog on your hands.

"And dogs are part of the family. If you don't feel that way then please don't get one."