There are fears for Cumbria’s pets after an RSPCA study said the cost-of-living crisis is the most urgent threat to pet welfare.

The ‘animal kindness index report’ has found that 68 per cent of respondents expressed concern that their cost of care was increasing, and almost a fifth worried about how they’ll afford to feed their pets.

The survey has led West Cumbrian animal volunteer Ramona Holloway to raise concern about the number of potential abandonments due to the cost-of-living crisis and a lack of volunteers to help cope with the increase.

Emma Slawinski, director of advocacy and policy at the RSPCA, said: ‘we cannot ignore the stark suggestion that the cost-of-living crisis is the biggest single threat to pets in the UK today.

“We are on the brink of an animal welfare crisis due and tragically we’re starting to see an increase in the abandonment of pets.

Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of their pet is urged to contact the RSPCA.#

 

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