LOCAL MP Claire Perry has backed a pet project to reduce the number of dogs given as Christmas gifts.

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

Hosted by MP Neil Parish, Claire joined the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Dogs Trust famous slogan “A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas”.

The phrase was coined in 1978 to highlight the issue of dogs being given as Christmas gifts – or at other times of year – only to be abandoned when the novelty wears off.

Claire took a festive Dogs Trust sleigh ride and met a large number of furry friends.

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.”