Pet Owners Feeling Economic Pinch - abandoned and surrendered pets has grown significantly [View All]

[The Straight Story]

Pet Owners Feeling Economic Pinch

LANCASTER, Ohio — More people are handing over their pets as they face tougher economic circumstances, a humane society official told 10TV News on Thursday.

According to Bill Huffman of the Fairfield-Area Humane Society, a number of abandoned and surrendered pets has grown significantly as people struggle with rising gas prices, foreclosures and rising food costs, 10TV's Andy Hirsch reported.

"We really feel sorry for the people that are in that kind of situation," Huffman said. "Certainly nobody likes to lose their pets."

Last weekend, Huffman said three dachshunds were dropped off at the Fairfield-Area Humane Society, along with note that said the owner could no longer care for them because they lost their home.

"We've had people come in here and cry their hearts out," Huffman said. "They'll sit out here with the animal for an hour and tell the animal how sorry they are that they can't keep them anymore. It's heartbreaking."

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/05/22/pet_owners.html?sid=102