STORY: Cocker spaniel Harriet makes a good face to the bad game. She is said to have been pushed out of a car on a busy London street and abandoned. Harriet could thus be a victim of the rising cost of living in the UK. According to an animal protection organization, more and more people are separating from their pets in need. Harriet is now one of hundreds of dogs and cats currently being cared for by the Battersea charity. Animal shelters across the country are reporting a record number of dog and cat return requests. The sharpest increase in costs since the 1960s is apparently forcing many owners to decide that food and vet bills are no longer affordable. Steve Craddock is the head of the center. “We are finding that the number of animals being given up in Battersea has increased by up to 30 per cent compared to last year. Some of these animals are being given up because people are no longer able to care for them care because they can no longer afford their care, especially things like veterinary care.” “Magpie is a special case. She came to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home this week. Magpie was abandoned by her owner because she became pregnant and the owners felt unable to care for Magpie and her kittens.” The trend follows an increase in demand for pets during the coronavirus pandemic. British households are also struggling with a massive increase in their energy costs. Charities have warned it could push millions into poverty. For the time being, many furry friends can only hope that someone can give them a permanent home.