Battersea Dogs and Cats Home sees increase as owners can’t afford vet bills

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has seen an arrival of more abandoned animals as owners struggle to afford their pets medical bills.

In the first half of 2015, 74 dogs arrived at Battersea with serious medical conditions that needed immediate treatment.

Owners who find it difficult to pay for treatment see no alternative than to bring them to the home where the pet is them treated and rehomed. In 2014 the homes Clinic carried out 4719 operations, which is an average of 19 operations a day.

Head vet, Shaun Opperman,who has been helping sick animals at the Home for over 20 years, said: “A new and improved Vet Hospital will make a huge difference to the level of care our Clinic team are able to give.

“At the moment, we have a team of 35 Vets and Vet Nurses working in a confined space and the new facilities will allow us to increase the procedures we perform and provide more care to our patients.

“Now, more than ever, we’re seeing more complicated cases and neglected animals coming in, where people can’t afford treatment.”