Pets suffering in tough economic times

Heartbroken pet owners are having to give up their animals as financial hardship bites.

Kaye Mughal, who is the centre manager at Battersea Old Windsor dogs and cats home in Priest Hill, said the number of animals brought in by owners who can no longer look after them keep rising.

She said there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of animals being taken into care at the animal home compared with last year.

"The number of dogs coming in has gone up by 62 per cent and cats 28 per cent," Kaye added.

“It is desperately sad when people have to give up their pets because they can no longer afford them and we do everything we can for the animal and the owners.

"We are seeing a big increase in the number of pets coming into our care who are victims of the recession.

"If anyone is struggling financially looking after their pet there are ways you can cut costs like buying food in bulk and making sure you have adequate pet insurance.