ANIMAL centres are bracing themselves for the seasonal crop of abandoned pets, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warned today.

Inspectors and animal collection officers will be out and about picking up these animals - a particular problem at this time of year.

Last year, the RSPCA investigated 530 complaints of animals being abandoned between December 23, 2004 and January 5, 2005.

In addition, the charity said it will take in a number of pets no longer wanted by their owners.

The RSPCA said there are numerous reasons why people give up their pets but some seem to defy belief and show a worrying attitude of a throwaway society. Some of the reasons given are:

* My cat doesn't match my new carpet;

* My dog doesn't match the new sofa;

* I thought chinchillas only lived for two years, I don't want a pet that lives for 20;

* I've got a new puppy that is too boisterous for our old dog. Can you take the old dog away?

* Our kitten isn't playful enough with our children;

* We don't want our three rabbits because they don't come out to greet us;

* I've got two elderly terriers and I don't want them to get the new carpet dirty;

* I'm going on holiday;

* My dog keeps hiding my shoes;

* Our cats sleep on the stairs. I don't want my daughter to trip over them when she comes to stay;

* She hurts my legs when she wags her tail;

:: My dog barks a lot;

:: We just bought a new leather sofa and I don't want the cat to scratch it;

:: Our dog gets jealous when we sit together.

Tim Miles, RSPCA chief veterinary adviser, said: "Whilst we would rather people sign over their animals instead of abandoning them, some of the excuses we've highlighted show a complete lack of understanding about the responsibilities of owning an animal.

"The RSPCA always urges that anyone taking on a pet should seriously consider the implications and the commitment, time and finances needed to care for that pet for the rest of its life.

"With Christmas approaching the RSPCA wants to remind people that animals should never be given as presents.

"All too often the New Year sees staff having to deal with abandoned animals both young and old that have outstayed their welcome and have been thrown out. In the first 12 days of December the RSPCA has already received 492 calls relating to abandoned animals.

"Christmas can be a particularly stressful time of year for a pet. Unfamiliar guests, excited children, strange decorations, noise from party poppers, fireworks or balloons and family disputes can often make the most settled animals ill at ease in their usually familiar surroundings.

"We advise that owners make sure their pet has a quiet place to retire to if celebrations start to unsettle them."