DOG kennels are being built by an animal charity as more unwanted pets are being abandoned due to the cost of living crisis.

More dogs are being abandoned by owners who cannot afford to take care of their pets anymore according to the RSPCA.

Bosses from RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch are currently in the process of building 20 kennels in the hopes it would rescue, rehabilitate and rehome around 200 dogs per year.

Claire Wood, from the branch, said: "Due to the cost of living crisis and other factors we know there are so many dogs in the area that need help.

"We currently don’t have kennels on site so previously we have relied on private boarding facilities or foster carers. 

"But we are seeing an increased demand for kennels as more and more dogs need rescue space, so we are in the process of building a kennel block which will mean we will be able to help more dogs.

"We know the cost of living crisis has hit a lot of families hard and this is a tough time for a lot of people but we would greatly appreciate any donations of support which will help us continue our work and prepare for even busier times ahead.” 

In April this year, the RSPCA received 1,508 reports to its emergency line about an animal being abandoned.

That compares with 1,370 abandonments for the same month last year - marking a rise of 9.6 per cent. 

RSPCA rescuers said most of the time people simply cannot afford a pet in the current financial climate. 

And several rescuers admitted they had seen animals who are suffering as a result of the cost of living crisis.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, the RSPCA and other charities see the impact all too often of people who have bought pets without properly researching the commitment involved with caring for them first.

"Sadly, this means that many pets are handed over to rescue centres when their owners can no longer care for them.

"We’d always urge people struggling to reach out for help or utilise the support that is available.

"Tragically, many pets are carelessly abandoned instead, while others are advertised online and on social media with owners offering them 'free to a good home' or trying to cash in on their pet's worth."