BOLTON RSPCA workers are receiving increasing numbers of calls from people unable to afford to keep their pets as the recession bites.

Across the North of England the animal welfare charity says the number of dumped animals soared by more than 67 per cent in 2008 compared with the previous year.

And nationally inquiries from people wanting to give up an animals increased by 52 per cent.

Kathy Kay, manager of Bolton RSPCA, says she is taking increasing numbers of heartbreaking calls from people who are having to give up their pets because they are losing their homes.

She said: “It is upsetting and frustrating and we have just got to hope that other animal charities can take them in.”