Animal rescue workers say sanctuaries across Wrexham and Flintshire are now overflowing with pets that have been handed in because of the financial pressures being faced by local pet owners.

Sheila Stewart, of Capricorn animal rescue, in Padeswood said: "We get dozens of calls a day from families who just cannot cope with their pets or they are having their homes repossessed, or they are down-sizing and just simply do not have the resources to keep a pet.

"Lots of families seem to be splitting because of the financial pressures and we see first hand what knock-on effect that has. It has definitely increased over the last few months.

"The animals are always the first to suffer – people sell their houses, they go their separate ways and the dog or cat is always left in the middle so they send them to us.

"Things will get worse before they get better. People are losing their jobs and companies are going bust all the time and the first cutback is usually the pet.

"We have found that people are having to cut back on expenses and some of these cutbacks are on their pet, either not having them neutered, inoculated or insured."

Pet owners are now being urged to plan ahead if they are feeling the pinch.

Mrs Stewart said: "We need to prepare ourselves for extra animals. We are booked up with animals coming in for the next five weeks, it is terrible for us when we have to turn people away.

"It is scary to think that people get to the end of their tether and they just can't cope, but they must consider the animal."

Sanctuaries and rescue centres, which are typically independently run and privately funded, are also feeling the financial strain, but are still taking in sick and needy animals on a daily basis.

Anne Owen, of North Clwyd Animal Rescue in Trelogan, said: "We are currently building 20 new kennels to house our stray dogs.

"It's not easy to raise the funds to do this and at the moment it is half complete because we have run out of money. The strain is on us as well."

Mrs Owen said she is becoming increasingly concerned about the number of owners opting out of pet insurance to cut back and save money.

She said: "Lots of owners think it is a waste of money to get pet insurance but if they get a huge medical bill, their small premiums will seem like nothing in comparison to what they may pay.

"If people can prove they need help with their pets' medical bills, there is help available but there are lots of other ways you can cut back and save money and still keep your pet with you."

Local RSPCA officials say that no matter what, people are responsible for their pets, but if they are facing real hardship, help is at hand.
A spokesman said: "The RSPCA is always here to help and provide advice about the welfare of your animal. If in the end people realise they can't look after the animal's welfare needs then give us a call."

For more advice call the Bryn-y-Maen RSPCA animal centre in Colwyn Bay on 0300 1230745 or visit www.rspca.org.uk.

Have you considered giving up your pet in the credit crunch?

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