MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Christmas is now five days away, and for some people, a puppy or a kitten is sometimes given as a gift on Christmas. But the Animal Humane Society says twice as many animals are abandoned or surrendered to shelters the weekend before Christmas than any time of year. Some shelters in North Dakota are seeing hundreds of pets being dropped off during the holidays, and other shelters across the United States can see thousands of animals surrendered or abandoned around Christmas. AAA expects record number of Christmas travelers The Communications Specialist for Souris Valley Animal Shelter in Minot says that folks need to understand how serious buying or adopting an animal is. "If you're going to come get a puppy or a kitten or any type of animal, regardless of the age, that you realize that when you get that animal that's a 15 to 20-year commitment, right? So, while it might seem bright and shiny on Christmas morning, you still have that commitment after the holidays," said Haley Burchett, the communications specialist at Souris Valley Animal Shelter. Under North Dakota law, abandoning an animal without trying to find a good home or someone to care for it is punishable by a class 'A' misdemeanor. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW