An animal charity has revealed some of the bizarre and downright pathetic reasons people have given for dumping their dogs.
Dogs Trust, which has cared for over 16,000 dogs over the last 12 months, revealed owners complained that their animals passed wind, snored loudly or didn't match their sofa.
Other "reasons" include the realisation the canine did not fit in a preferred handbag, kept scaring the goldfish and "isn't as cute when I first got him".
Dogs Trust is preparing for an influx of unwanted Christmas presents
But the most idiotic excuse by far as to be "he barked", delivered by a potential owner who had got as far as the car park after collecting the animal before deciding to give him up.
The list has been released as the charity braces itself for an influx of unwanted "presents" this Christmas.
Dogs Trust CEO Clarissa Baldwin said: "This year sees the 34th anniversary of Dogs Trust’s iconic slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and sadly it’s as true today as when it was first coined.
"We see a number of dogs handed into our rehoming centres in the days and weeks following Christmas when the appeal of a cute puppy has worn off. It seems that people are still giving puppies as Christmas presents without considering the long term ramifications.
"Dogs can provide a world of happiness and enjoyment, and we urge anyone considering a new addition to the family to think it through properly and remember that the only place a puppy should be is on the outside of the wrapping paper, not inside it.”
The list in full:
“My dog doesn’t look like what he did on the website”
“The dog keeps barking at butterflies”
“My dog was too old and no longer brought me any joy”
“It hurts my back to pick up my dog’s poop”
“My dog doesn’t match the sofa”
“I need a smaller dog”
“My dog can’t walk on the lino in my house”
“My dog keeps passing wind”
“He wouldn’t fit in my handbag or wear the outfit I bought him”
“My dog doesn’t like me (after 24 hours)”
“He isn’t as cute as when I first got him”
“He can’t do any tricks”
“He snores really loudly”
“He was too big for my house”
“He keeps scaring the goldfish”
“The dog gets too much attention”
“He barked” (the potential adopters had only got to the carpark)
“He smells, of dog”