RSPCA centres close for Christmas

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The RSPCA is suspending re-homing schemes in some of its animal shelters to prevent people from giving pets as Christmas presents.

The charity finds itself this year in the midst of a crisis, with a number of abandoned pets on the increase as owners struggle with the cost of living.

We look behind the scenes at one small animal shelter in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, as staff use every available space to house a variety of abandoned animals - including some surprisingly exotic creatures.

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Slideshow production by Victoria Gill. Publication date 22 December 2012.

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RSPCA Rochdale, external

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