Puppies are abandoned as latest victims of cost of living crisis

Soft, fluffy and oh-so cuddly, these tiny puppies look like they would make the perfect addition to any family.

But they are among the latest victims of the cost of living crunch after being abandoned by cash-strapped owners.

Spaniels and Pomeranians are among scores of pets arriving at Many Tears Animal Rescue every week because their families can no longer afford to keep them.

Sylvia Van Atta, who runs the centre near Llanelli in South Wales, said the charity usually re-homes 2,000 dogs a year but is currently heading for double that figure.

Tiny puppies are the latest victims of the cost of living crunch after being abandoned by cash-strapped owners.

Pictured: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies at just a week old

Spaniels and Pomeranians are among scores of pets arriving at Many Tears Animal Rescue (pictured are staff with rescued dogs) every week because their families can no longer afford to keep them

She added: ‘It’s a real emergency. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s heartbreaking.

‘People tell us it’s a choice between paying the rent or keeping their dog. Others say they can’t afford petrol, or pay their heating bills.

They’re so desperate, they’re ready to abandon their beloved pets.’

Many of the pets arriving at the rescue centre are in urgent need of veterinary care because owners were unable to pay for treatment. 

Sylvia Van Atta, who runs Many Tears near Llanelli in South Wales, said the charity usually re-homes 2,000 dogs a year but is currently heading for double that figure.

Pictured: two collie puppies

Breeders – many of whom saw soaring demand for dogs during lockdown – have also been hit by a collapse in the market.

Among those in need of a home are a litter of Pomeranian crosses whose mother was left to fend for herself after being abandoned by a ‘backyard breeder’. 

The mother – a two-year-old named Gill – was rescued by the centre where she gave birth to five puppies a few days later. 

Mrs Van Atta said: ‘People tell us it’s a choice between paying the rent or keeping their dog.

Others say they can’t afford petrol, or pay their heating bills. They’re so desperate, they’re ready to abandon their beloved pets.’ Left to right: Cocker spaniels, collies and pomeranian puppies

Seven one-week-old Cavalier King Charles spaniels and their mother are also new arrivals at the centre after their owner said they couldn’t pay for a C-section.

And Rich, a seven-year-old Basset Hound, was with his family since he was a puppy but had to be given away when they could no longer afford vet bills.

Mrs Van Atta added that the cost of living crisis is also hurting her charity due to fewer donations. 

She added: ‘We’re struggling through and I’m determined to carry on. The staff are tireless but if the recession carries on for as long as predicted, the future looks very uncertain.’

Visit website to apply to home one of the dogs or to donate.