Germany's animal rescue shelters ban adoptions over the festive season

Germany’s biggest animal shelters have banned pets from being adopted over Christmas.

The temporary bans have been introduced in dozens of shelters across the country in an effort to keep animals being given as presents only to be returned after the festive season finishes.

In a Facebook post, Hanover Animal Shelter said: “Animals do not belong under the Christmas tree!”

It added: “How about giving away a book about keeping and raising the desired animal and then looking for a dog / cat / small animal together with all family members after the holidays, if possible in a shelter.

“Then the Christmas and New Year's stress is over and you can take care of the new family member in peace.”

Arvid Possekel, from Hanover Animal Shelter, told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) the shelter sees about 4,200 animals come through its doors each year and it looks after about 450 animals at any one time.

In Bremen, none of its shelter’s 500 animals will be re-homed after December 18.

“It’s sadly the case that the first animals are abandoned even on Christmas Eve,” Gabriele Schwab, of Bremen Animal Shelter, told DW.

Regional news outlets are reporting similar decisions in other towns and cities, including dozens of shelters in a united decision in Lower Saxony.

According to the ban’s supporters the problem is that pets are often bought impulsively at the last minute.

"The decision to keep an animal must not be taken lightly - the whole family must be involved in the decision-making process," Claudia Hämmerling from Berlin's animal protection association told the BBC.

Most shelters will still be open for viewings - but families will have to come back in January after they have had time to consider the adoption.