Furry victims of credit crunch

Updated 07.55 Wed May 21 2008
Keywords: credit crunch, rspca, rescue centre, pets, cats, dogs

Dogs and cats are being handed into rescue centres in record numbers because their owners can no longer afford to keep them.

Domestic pets are becoming the forgotten casualties of the credit crunch as housholds tighten their belts across the UK.

Domestic pets are becoming the forgotten casualties of the credit crunch as housholds tighten their belts across the UK

Sanctuaries have reported a rise in the number of cats, dogs and rabbits being left by owners who are finding it difficult to cope with the soaring cost of food and energy bills.

The RSPCA said the number of animals dumped by their owners in 2007 has increased by 23 per cent over the year before.

The charity rescued 7,346 abandoned pets last year and has already picked up 2,621 animals in the first four months of 2008.

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