Devizes MP Claire Perry is helping highlight the plight of dogs given as gifts at Christmas.

Mrs Perry attended a Dogs Trust UK event in Westminster to raise awareness of the charity’s annual Christmas campaign.

The celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Dogs Trust, which coined the iconic slogan A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas in 1978 to highlight the issue of dogs being given as gifts only to be abandoned when the novelty wears off. 

Mrs Perry took a festive Dogs Trust sleigh ride and met a large number of furry friends; however, these pooches were toys making them ideal Christmas gifts. 

She said: “I am delighted to support Dogs Trust and raise awareness of its famous slogan, which is as important now as it ever has been.

"A dog is a lifetime commitment and should never be bought on impulse.

"I would urge anyone thinking of buying a dog or puppy as a Christmas present to ‘paws’ before doing so, and remember that A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas.”