SOUTH Bucks RSPCA are hoping to home almost 100 rescue animals in time for Christmas.

They are working hard to get the lonely dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, happy homes for the festive period and beyond.

But the traditionally slow time of year and the credit crunch mean they are struggling to make this Christmas wish come true for the cuddly characters.

Pat Bryant, from South Bucks RSPCA said: “They are all dreaming of being in a cozy house before Christmas and we hope some people out there can make their wishes come true.

“Pets are not just for Christmas so we are looking for people who can give them a home for good but it would be lovely for these animals to be part of a family in time for Christmas.”

One of the furry cuties looking for a home is Bella, the eight-year-old black cat. The affectionate puss somehow always gets overlooked.

Abandoned Beauty is a playful three-year-old cross-breed who is excellent with children and Floppy-eared Harry is a friendly chap who is 16-months old and is already neutered.

Pat Bryant explained that December is usually a slow time of year for getting animals homes because people are pre-occupied with Christmas.

She said: “Re-homing is very slow and most animal rescuers are unable to take in animals due to lack of space”.

South Bucks have already homed almost 500 animals this year but are aware they will get an increase at Christmas and New Year.

Last Christmas 50 dogs and cats and 75 animals in total were abandoned every day in the UK – and the RSPCA is worried this Christmas will be even worse.

And New Year is always a bad time – when unwanted pets given as Christmas gifts are discarded like used wrapping paper.

In the first four days of January last year 35 abandoned animals were rescued by the RSPCA in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire alone.

They included a young cat dumped in a box, 12-week old puppies tied to lamp post, two gerbils found in a box, 15 rabbits dumped in a wood and 16 gerbils found wandering.

If you are interested in adopting Bella, Beauty or Harry or any of the rescue animals please phone 0845 3707526 or visit www.southbucksrspca.org.uk. To make a donation please send to: The Treasurer, RSPCA South Bucks, PO Box 3987, Marlow, SL7 9AJ