Increase in animals being dumped

There has been a sharp rise in the number of animals being abandoned in the East Midlands, National Dog Adoption Month has found.

Between January and July, 825 animals were dumped in Nottinghamshire, up on 525 in the same period last year.

In Leicestershire and Northamptonshire the figure was 706 - up from 460 - and in Derbyshire 693 were left alone, compared to 538 one year ago.

The RSPCA said it was having to turn animals away as shelters were full.

Care responsibility

In Lincolnshire, the number of abandoned animals reached 621 - an increase from 428, National Dog Adoption Month said.

Denise Stokes from the RSPCA shelter at Radcliffe-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire said: "As the year has progressed the rise has continued and it now looks as if it is set to continue through the rest of the year.

"The credit crunch, with people having less money for perceived luxuries, is probably a factor."

Staff added they feared an even greater rise during the summer months as people left pets behind when they went on holiday.

RSPCA acting regional superintendent Simon Parker said: "It is time for pet owners to face up to their responsibilities.

"Get your pet neutered if you cannot cope with unwanted litters and only ever take on an animal if you know you can care for it for the whole of its life.

"Animals are not just another must-have accessory, they deserve our respect and care."