Britons may have a reputation as animal-lovers but they are increasingly dumping their pets as they struggle to cope with the impact of economic downturn.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said the number of abandoned animals soared 57 per cent last year to 11,586 - the equivalent of more than 30 a day.
The number of abandoned cats was up by 50 per cent and a third more dogs were discarded, the charity said. Horses, farm animals and exotic pets were also being chucked out.
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