AN animal charity has revealed the shocking reasons for dogs being handed into care.

From not matching the sofa, to wanting to exchange it for a smaller one, Dogs Trust says that pooches of all shapes and sizes are being handed in to their rehoming centres for bizarre reasons.

Shockingly, someone gave their dog up because he did not look like the one online, while another got rid of their dog because he barked.

Over the past year Dogs Trust has cared for more than 16,000 dogs and the centres in Glasgow and West Calder have rehomed more than 1000 of them.The charity revealed the reasons as part of its campaign to remind people that dogs are not just for Christmas.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO, said: "This year sees the 34th anniversary of Dogs Trust's iconic slogan: 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas' and sadly it's as true today as when it was first coined.

"It seems people are still giving puppies as Christmas presents without considering the long term ramifications."

To help prevent people giving dogs as a Christmas present Dogs Trust centres do not rehome dogs between December 22 and January 2.

Potential owners can visit and reserve a dog, but will not be able to take it home until after the festivities.

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk