Pets are being put down and hundreds face a long waiting list to be re-homed as people struggle with the credit crunch.

The RSPCA is being inundated with pets needing to be re-homed, as people are unable to get mortgages approved or struggle to cope with rising interest rates and fuel and food prices.

Many rental properties do not allow pets, which are then handed to the RSPCA for re-homing. As a result, local RSPCA kennels are packed with pets needing a new home.

The animal centre manager at Bradford's RSPCA home in Mount Street, Mandy Miller, said: "We do get quite a lot of people wanting to re-home their animals because they are moving in to rented accommodation. It is really one of the main reasons why we get animals, particularly dogs, because of rented-accommodation policy."

The worrying news comes as the charity hosts RSPCA Week.

Pam Laking, administrator of the RSPCA's Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch, said: "People are having to make difficult decisions, putting their animals to sleep. The animals are the unseen victims of what is going on. If we don't have the space or the money, we can't take them in.

"People can no longer get 100 per cent, or even 110 per cent mortgages, and people do not have the deposits for 85 per cent mortgages. This is leading to uncertainties with their homes and having to move in to rented accommodation, where people are very rarely allowed to take their pets.

"We are seeing more and more people coming to us for help to take their animals in these desperate times."

Craven and Upper Wharfedale RSPCA desperately wants new owners to come forward for Pippa the cat and Sasha the dog. The charity also needs firms to sponsor new kennels. To help the RSPCA's Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch, call Pam on (07949) 229955. For Bradford, call (01274) 723063.