Abandoned pet numbers rise by 23%

RSPCA staff rescued 7,347 dumped pets in 2007, up 23% from the 5,959 recorded in 2006.

Overall, the charity was called upon to save nearly 150,000 animals in a year which saw the largest ever deployment of rescuers during the summer floods.

As a result of the deluge, figures for 2007 reveal a near doubling of the number of farm animals that needed rescuing.

But it is the rise in deliberately abandoned pets that will cause most concern.

Examples of dumped animals included a litter of kittens left in a dustbin bag for bin men and a rabbit abandoned in a box in a crushing machine at a recycling centre.

Also worrying are the excuses given by owners who no longer want to look after their pets.

"My dog hurts my legs when she wags her tail," one said, while another claimed: "My cat doesn't match my new carpet."

RSPCA warned that the upward trend could continue.

Within the first four months of this year, the society has already rescued 2,621 animals, including a three-legged cat with no tail dumped outside a supermarket.