Crunch blamed as pets abandoned

Hard-up animal owners are abandoning their pets to cut costs, according to West Country animal carers.

North Devon Animal Ambulance is blaming a big rise in pets under its care on the credit crunch, as people cannot afford to pay vets' bills.

Gables Dogs and Cats Home in Plymouth is also blaming the credit crunch for the home being full, with more than 100 pets on its waiting list.

And Cornish charities say they have also been affected.

The National Animal Welfare Trust's Cornish Animal Rescue Centre (CARC) in Hayle said it had been inundated with calls.

Canine Crusaders in Cornwall has also seen an increase in the number of animals handed in by owners.

Diana Lewis, of North Devon Animal Ambulance, said: "There's been a huge increase in the number of animals handed in because owners' homes have been repossessed or their finances are stretched.

"They just cannot afford vet bills for their animals or they are not able to take them into rented accommodation after they are evicted."

North Devon Animal Ambulance can help desperate people pay vets' bills and is urging people to get in touch before abandoning animals.

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