Credit crunch is bad news for pets (From Ledbury Reporter)

Credit crunch is bad news for pets

4:26pm Monday 12th January 2009

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THE number of pets being left at shelters by their owners is rising because of the economic situation.

During November and December, the local branch of Cats Protection, reported an increased number of cats in its care as the credit crunch hit cash-strapped owners.

Branch co-ordinator Lynn Glaze, who has worked for the charity for almost 30 years, said this festive period had been one of its busiest ever.

“We have never been so full over this period before," she said. "We have 73 cats at the moment with 18 different foster mums. Last year we just had 23 cats.”

Mrs Glaze said many of the cats had come from families who lost their homes and had to be homed in where no pets are allowed.

“This has happened before but the numbers we are having to take in are just getting more and more,” she said.

If you can provide a loving home for any of the cats in the branch's care, call them on 01905 820348 or view the cats at www.worcestercats.org.uk.

At the Newland-based Worcestershire Animal Reacue Shelter, the situation is similar.

Site manager Ben Sargeant said: "We're full, and we've got a waiting list of 12. We're getting two or three calls a day, asking us to house their dogs, but we're rehoming less.

"Then only good thing is that we got a lot of donations of tins and food this Christmas, not as much as last year, but still a lot. Thanks to all who contributed."

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