SSPCA WORKERS in Angus are braced for a busy start to 2009, amid fears of a delayed reaction to the credit crunch and the traditional post-Christmas influx of unwanted pets when the shine wears off for uncaring owners.

Experience has taught staff at the charity’s Petterden rescue centre that the onset of spring will herald a hectic time for a facility battling to find space for a variety of residents.

And while centre manager Sharon Comrie has praised kind-hearted supporters for flooding the charity with pre-Christmas support, she is worried belt tightening after the festive period might hit the organisation’s efforts to attract vital cash.

“So far, the credit crunch hasn’t really affected us yet and the donations that we got in the run-up to Christmas have been really great,” Sharon said.

“People were sending in cheques, some up to £100. We generally get good support at this time of the year.

“We were expecting things to be a little slower because of the situation but that hasn’t been the case.

“Hopefully things will continue to be okay into the new year because we need all the help we can get.”

The centre, between Dundee and Forfar, is always home to a host of dogs and cats, but is taking in increasing numbers of other animals and Christmas feeding time also involved looked after more than 30 budgerigars and almost 20 rabbits.

“It may not take effect until March or April, but that’s when the Christmas mistakes come in after people realise that they can’t look after the animal they bought,” added Sharon.