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Oct 5, 2008 12:56 am US/Eastern
Weak Economy Forces Owners To Kick Pets To Curb
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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A puppy plays with toys in this Associated Press photo from Jan. 29, 2001.
AP
Surviving the recent economic crisis has meant making some tough personal sacrifices.
A growing number of people in the tri-state have had to give up their beloved pets.
They're warm, cuddly, and desperately in need of a home. Dogs and cats at Bobbi and the Strays are up for adoption – some were found, others left there by their owners who can no longer afford them.
"The vet bills, it's a lot to do with the vet bills and people just can't afford it," owner Bobbi Giordano said.
A shih tzu at Bobbi named Gizmo suffers from food allergies. He was brought to the vet by his owner, who said she could no longer afford his medication and asked that he be euthanized.
Bobbi was called in to help.
"The girlst that work there said [it's] just an allergy," Bobbi said.
With this tough economy, where people are losing their homes, people just don't have the extra money that would normally go to the care of their beloved animals.
Natalie Rainone found a kitten in her backyard.
"I can't afford to keep this pet," Natalie said.
All the cats and dogs up for adoptions are spayed, neutered, and vaccinated.
Animal activists say the extent of the problem is impossible to quantify, because some people merely abandon pets on the street.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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