New research from an online pet health store has raised concerns about the cost of pet care driving owners to not be able to afford proper care for their pets.
The pet health store research has revealed the cost of keeping a pet has increased by £7.6million a week in the past two years, with UK adults now spending £93.6 million a week on their animals*.
But Petmeds warns soaring pet food and medication costs will push up animal costs and could lead to millions of pets being abandoned or failing to get vital medication and veterinary checks.
RSPCA figures show an increase in abandoned animals left with the charity last year, up from 6,500 in 2005 to 9,500 in 2007.
Petmeds is calling for the Government and the pet industry to work together and establish a Pet Poverty Fund to prevent the situation getting worse.
Petmeds has launched its own forum for pet owners to exchange tips and ideas on caring for pets.
www.petmeds.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here