More people are dumping their pets, while others are faced with a choice between feeding themselves or their animals as the cost of living crisis takes its toll. 

That's according to the RSPCA's Taylor's Rehoming Centre, based at Kingston Maurward, which is now full to the brim with rescue animals - so much so, it is having to turn them away. 

Centre manager Tessa Every said: "People are really struggling and lots of animals out there need help. We're definitely seeing the impact of the cost of living. A lot of people are getting by and then one big, maybe unexpected, expense comes through and that has a massive impact and sets them back. When you have a kitten that needs a £250 X-ray on its leg, it becomes really difficult."

Dorset Echo: Centre manager Tessa Every

Tessa says she has met people using food banks to feed their animals over themselves. 

"A lady who came to us recently was very skinny herself. We gave her food for her cat so she was able to go to the food bank for herself.

"We will always do our best to help so do come and talk to us. Please don't dump your pets."

In 2023, Taylor's took in 178 cats compared to 125 in 2022. It rescued 43 rabbits, up from 34, and 23 birds compared to the 11 it rescued in 2022. 

Among them, a cat and six kittens were dumped on a road in Lulworth. Kittens were abandoned near Dorchester tip and, on New Year's Eve 2022, a number of guinea pigs were left on the bypass in freezing temperatures. Thankfully, they were saved.

Dorset Echo:

The charity is currently seeing two to three cats dumped each week.

"We're seeing a combination of people who are no longer able to afford their pets, plus people being sensible and deciding not to take on a pet because they don't want to stretch themselves at the moment. It means we're seeing far more animals," Tessa explained. 

Taylor's is currently having to turn away around 10 cats each month, although it does help to put owners in touch with other organisations which can help. Dedicated staff have spent weeks hand-rearing kittens which have been dumped to fend for themselves.

Dorset Echo:

Tessa said: "Please, think carefully before taking on a pet. It is a big commitment and it can be an expensive commitment; they need spaying, vaccinations, potentially treatments. 

"I would also say to ask for help if you are struggling.  Don't struggle in silence and please don't just dump your animals, they don't deserve that. If we don't have space we can put you in touch with someone who might be able to help."