12:29am UK, Saturday January 03, 2009
Orla Chennaoui, Sky News reporter
An increasing number of pets are being abandoned because of the credit crunch, animal welfare charities say.
As owners count the cost of the day-to-day upkeep and see insurance premiums and vet's bills rise, thousands of families are saying goodbye to their four-legged family members.
The Dog's Trust is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. They have twice as many pets on their waiting list to be rehomed than this time last year.
"The dogs unfortunately are the first to suffer when financially people can't afford to pay the bills, or feed themselves," said Christian Bamber, a rehoming centre manager.
"It's very sad that a family member, like a dog is the first victim of the credit crunch, but this is clearly what we're seeing," he explained.
The average vets' bill for a dog is thought to cost some several hundred pounds, while the cost of treating more serious conditions can run into the thousands.
It is not only dogs which are affected by the crisis. Animal charities are seeing a similar trend with cats, and even horses as owners feel the financial pinch.
Staff at the Blue Cross animal welfare charity are seeing a three fold increase in the numbers of abandoned pets this year, with many owners citing economic problems, job losses and house moves.
They say there are certain factors struggling owners should consider.
Christian Bamber, the charity's director of veterinary services, said: "I would urge all pet owners to think about neutering their animals if they haven't.
"The other key thing is that people really should consider is insurance before they get a pet, because it can certainly mean the difference between life and death in the case of an emergency."
Life and death may seem a bleak prospect, but it is one that is facing an increasing number of abandoned pets.
With no end to the credit crunch in sight homeless animals across the UK are facing a very long winter.
Animal Charities Warn More Pets Being Abandoned As Families Dump Dogs And Cats Due To Credit Crunch | UK News | Sky News