SUFFOLK/ FELIXSTOWE: An animal adoption charity today blamed the prolonged recession for a huge rise in the number of abandoned pets.

The Blue Cross has seen a 22 per cent increase in strays being brought into their Walton centre from across Suffolk.

Bosses believe the recession has played a big part and have pleaded with animal owners to get in touch with them if they are struggling to look after them.

Mandy Jones, head of rehoming at the Blue Cross, said: “It is tragic that the number of stray dogs is again on the rise this year.

“However, we are seeing an even bigger problem with the numbers of abandoned cats, rabbits and other small pets also being found on the streets.

“We are concerned that the steep rise may indicate that financial problems are continuing to have a profound effect on animal welfare.

“We urge anyone struggling to cope to always contact an animal charity, like the Blue Cross.”

Nationally, the charity has seen the number of stray and abandoned dogs being brought into centres rise by 45pc since 2010 and the number of cats jump by 51pc.

The Blue Cross Centre in Walton High Street last month sent out a desperate plea after they became inundated with cats.

The charity have also pleaded with residents to microchip their pets after two young kittens were found abandoned in Aldeburgh. Their owners cannot be found because they were not microchipped.

Mrs Jones said: “The sad thing is that the majority of these animals could have been reunited with their owners if they had only been microchipped.”

For more information on the Blue Cross or if you would like to adopt one of their animals, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk or contact the centre on 01394 283254.

n Are you struggling to look after your animals because of financial difficulties? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or you can e-mail evening starletters@evening star.co.uk