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Search forCredit crunch forces pets out onto streets
Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 17:28
Walsall RSCPA has seen a sharp rise in the number residents wishing to offload dogs and cats as purse strings tighten.
"We're getting more and more people saying they cannot afford to keep their cats and dogs and need them re-homing," said Walsall RSCPA welfare officer Lucy Hayreh.
The Walsall branch of the animal charity has no fixed base, but instead relies on volunteers to foster pets until they can be safely rehomed.
"At the moment we have two cat foster volunteers and one dog foster volunteer – we simply haven't got enough people to take in these pets," added Miss Hayreh.
"And if people cannot offload their pet to us then it is inevitable that sometimes they will let their pet run stray, which for us is unthinkable.
"I think people are using the credit crunch as an excuse in some circumstances, and we are getting really desperate."
On Tuesday, September 23, at 7pm, RSPCA Walsall is holding an open evening at Aldridge Community Centre in Middlemore Lane to encourage more people to become animal foster volunteers.
Miss Hayreh added: "We are looking for people who are not in full-time work and can spend some time with the animals as often they are in great emotional need.
"We pay for the vets fees and everything the pets need, we just need people to come forward and find out more."
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer for the RSPCA can drop by on the night or call RSPCA Walsall 01543 454571.
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