Abandoned pets put strain on RSPCA

THE number of animals dumped across the North of England has soared by 67 per cent as the credit crunch bites.

RSPCA centres, including Oldham’s Rhodes Bank branch, dealt with 3,372 abandoned animals in 2008 — an average of nine pets a day — compared with 2,009 the previous year.

The number of animals abandoned in the Manchester area, which includes Oldham, Failsworth, Mossley and Ashton, was 188. RSPCA spokeswoman Sophie Corless said: “Although it is too early to see clear trends, the RSPCA is worried that the recession is having a major impact on animals and on the charities trying to help them.

“The number of people calling the RSPCA to ask about giving up a pet is up by 52 per cent on the previous year. As a result, the RSPCA is experiencing a substantial rise in demand — and in some areas, is struggling to cope.

“Now, more than ever, we need the public’s support.

It is a challenging time for the RSPCA, but more importantly, it is a crisis for the animals.

“It’s only because of the public’s help that we’re able to do what we can.

“Our animal centres are under great pressure and need all the help they can get, whether donations or volunteering.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, even for a few hours a week, should contact their local RSPCA branch or animal centre through the website at www.rspca.org.uk