WARRINGTON is facing an 'animal welfare crisis', according to the RSPCA.

Record numbers of pets are needing to be rehomed due to rising costs, the charity says.

The charity has announced that it has taken in 49 per cent more rabbits, 14 per cent more cats, and three per cent more dogs now than this time last year.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "We prioritise animals brought in via our inspectorate, which are the cruelty/neglect and abandonment cases - and we of course fear a rise in abandonment due to cost of living"

Emma Slawinski, director of advocacy and policy at the RSPCA said: "We are on the brink of an animal welfare crisis due to the rise in pet ownership during the pandemic, coupled with the cost of living pressures biting - especially those on lower incomes.

"It’s absolutely heartbreaking."

Other charities have also experienced a surge in the number of animals they are being asked to rehome.

When asked whether they had experienced an increasing demand, Phoenix Dog Rescue, on Widnes Road, said: "Yes, unfortunately, we're inundated with emails daily of dogs that need to be rehomed."

The RSPCA announced that in the North West, almost 70 per cent of pet owners admitted it had become more expensive to keep a pet now, than before.

Warrington in particular is at risk, as the local branch of the RSPCA is facing closure due to rising costs.

The shelter, on Slutchers Lane, recently launched the 'Save our Shelter' fundraiser in order to help ease the burden of growing costs.

Andy Carter, MP for Warrington South, said: "I've been lucky to see the work the staff at this shelter do first hand and want to encourage every business and person to rally behind them.

"We can't let this local community resource close."

RSPCA figures show there were 202 calls to its helpline for reporting intentional harm to an animal in Cheshire last year – down from 213 in 2020.

There were 326 calls over deliberate cruelty in 2019, meaning there have been a total of 741 in the last three years alone.