IN the current economic crisis, times are hard for cash-strapped households, but abandoning the family cat, dog or other animal in order to save money on food and vet bills is abhorrently cruel and selfish.

Recent figures from the RSPCA reveal that 30 animals are abandoned — or killed (in extreme cases) — every day, which is a 50 per cent rise on 2007 figures.

Anyone thinking of introducing a companion animal into their lives should only do so if they have the necessary time, spare income and commitment.

Animals are not accessories or cars that can be sold or dumped when times get hard, they are a full -responsibility and members of the family who need food, shelter, medical treatment and kindness.

If you can offer a companion animal a loving forever home, please always adopt one of the thousands waiting in rescue shelters across the country.

KELLY SLADE Campaigns Officer Animal Aid Tonbridge Kent