Record numbers of pedigree dogs and cats are being abandoned and handed in to rescue centres as middle-class owners struggle to meet the cost of their upkeep.

The credit crunch has led to hundreds of expensive, pure-bred dogs being taken into re-homing centres, while others have been let loose on streets and motorways.

Susan Tonner, manager of Dogs Trust West Calder, said its 60 places are full and that owners face a seven-week waiting list to bring in their dogs to be re-homed.

“We are seeing more pedigree dogs coming into the centre,” she said. “We have two German shepherds, a labrador, six springer spaniels, two cocker spaniels, a yorkie, while previously we would see pedigrees very rarely.

“Over the last few weeks we have been approached by people who have to part with their dogs. In some cases both partners are going out to work now, while previously only one partner needed to work. They really do love their dogs but circumstances are forcing them to part with them. They are often in tears, it is a very emotional time. They often feel very guilty about it.”

Dogs Trust Glasgow says that up to 20 dogs are being brought in every week. The owners told the centre that they could no longer afford vet fees.

Pedigree cats are also among the pets needing new homes as owners face rising living costs. Anne Power, a co-ordinator for the Ragdoll Rehome Group, in Kilmarnock, said she has noticed an increase in the number of the semi-long-haired pedigree cats needing to be re-homed and a reduction in people adopting the pedigrees.

“We are busier and seeing more ragdoll cats being surrendered than before. We have more cats needing to be re-homed,” she said.

“People are thinking twice about having an animal because of the costs — of food, veterinary fees and cattery fees if they go on holiday. ”

Neil McIntosh, a partner at the Abbey Veterinary Group, which has branches in Paisley and Greenock, said: “Unfortunately there are occasions when dogs and cats are euthanised because of cost. These are usually cases where the pet has an ongoing chronic condition.”

A recent study commissioned by Churchill Insurance showed that a dog can considerably increase the household budget.

The average cost over its lifetime is estimated at £20,000.

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