AN animal charity is struggling to cope with record numbers of pets being abandoned.

Pets In Need says the credit crunch is making people dump their animals because they cannot afford to keep them.

So many pets are being abandoned by their owners that the charity’s Tottington shelter has no space to take any more, forcing committee member Dinah Hill to take in strays at her home in Bradshaw.

Mrs Hill has had to convert parts of her home into a shelter, with cats taking up an entire utility room as well as a spare bedroom. She said: “Pets In Need has got a major problem at the moment with all the people who want us to take in their cats and kittens.

“I think owners are panicking because of the credit crunch and immediately thinking they cannot afford to keep their pets.

“I have never had so many cats living with me, but all the cat pens are full in the shelter.

“I have six young cats in the utility room and another cat with two kittens upstairs. We’re fortunate to have the space, but it’s a lot of work.”

Homes are desperately being sought for the cats, such as 18-months-old Baby and Tuppence, a three-year-old.

The two were taken to the charity after their owners split up. Both are staying at Mrs Hill’s home.

Their housemates include brothers Marmalade and Mustard, both two years old, who were left behind after their owners moved out from their home in Radcliffe. The cats were brought in by a passer-by who found them wandering in the street.

Mrs Hill said: “We would urge owners who are worried to contact organisations before abandoning their pets because they are panicking. Often they can be worrying unnecessarily and just need advice.

“A cat isn’t all that expensive to look after, but there’s a mistaken belief they can just fend for themselves.

“It would be nice if genuine people came forward who are willing to give a cat a loving, permanent home.”

Anyone who can provide a home should telephone 01204 852492.