Five dogs and two cats had to be euthanased after 12 animals were surrendered in February, triple the number usually dumped in that month.

There was also a five-fold increase in the number of inquiries from pet owners needing an “easy out” to surrender their charges, New England Animal Shelter manager Phil Evans said yesterday.

“We have never seen this influx of animals post-Christmas,” he said. “They are mainly dogs under 12 months, that have not been microchipped, indicating little value has been placed on their lives.”

Curiously, there has not been a parallel spike in the number of kittens and cats surrendered.

Cat care coordinator for the Armidale branch of the RSPCA Roswitha Hobson said eight cats were dumped in January and 11 in February, most of which are now being minded by the association’s 20 foster carers.

“We have found students acquire cute kittens and when they leave town a year later, they leave the cat behind, usually for a neighbour to feed,” Ms Hobson said.

Mr Evans said the shelter tried to rehome as many dogs as possible, generally only euthanasing those with a severe illness or with behavioural problems.

But he said there had been a large increase in the number of people inquiring about surrendering their dog.

A main reason was they were changing accommodation and a new landlord would not tolerate dogs.

“We see a large number of young animals surrendered, usually with no microchip, indicating their lives are not valued,” Mr Evans said.

The dog photographed was found in Wade Avenue on February 25. He is about 16 weeks old and will be euthanased within weeks if he cannot find a new home.

Meanwhile, the shelter needs volunteers and is holding an information night on March 19 at 6pm.

Volunteers are usually called upon for two hours every week over a six-month period.

Duties include socialising and exercising animals, bathing, grooming and assessing the animals as well as some gardening.