Rise in elderly pets being abandoned
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has reported significant increases in the the number of elderly pets being brought into its care, as owners struggle to cope with expenses.
The charity saw a 37 per cent rise in the number of old age pets coming through the doors last year. In 2013 alone, Battersea has taken in over 130 dogs and cats aged 10 and above.
Older pets can take longer to re-home and often suffer age-related medical conditions, requiring treatment or even surgery before they can be re-homed, the charity says.
"We are seeing more and more older dogs and cats needing our help," said Rob Young, head of dog re-homing at Battersea.
"Owning an elderly pet can often be more expensive – not only does insurance go up but they are more likely to suffer from medical ailments which can be expensive. When people struggle to afford their pets they turn to charities like Battersea."
The new episode of Paul O-Grady: For the Love of Dogs - Battersea's second series - will air tonight on ITV at 8:30pm, covering some of the elderly pets Battersea is currently trying to re-home.
Image: 15-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Bella and her nine-year-old daughter Missy, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
