Germany introduces the puppy flap for unwanted pets

It is the ultimate symbol of the throw away society after bins for unwanted pets abandoned in the credit crunch were set up in Germany.

Owners who can no longer care for their pets can put them through a giant flap linked to a welfare centre without having to fill in forms - or be identified. So far puppies, kittens and even hamsters have ended up in the box - that is emptied immediately by volunteers who get a text message every time a "deposit" is made.



The bins follow the country's tradition of 'baby hatches' where unwanted children are placed in special holes-in-the-wall at hospitals where they are taken for adoption.

"People are having a tough time financially and one of the first victims is usually the family pet. It is better they bring them to us than to simply abandon them or throw them in the river in a rock filled sack," said organiser Helga Rosmuther.