The cost-of-living crisis is so severe that some are having to choose between feeding themselves or their pets, The Times has reported.

In some parts of the UK, rescue centres are filling up as the number of pets being taken into rescue centres hits an all-time high.

Bath Cats & Dogs Home told this newspaper that while they have not yet been directly affected by the recent trend, financial hardship is a common reason for pets being handed into the rescue centre, making this a worrying time.

The rescue centre has been stressing the message that even in normal times, they need to raise over £1.8million every year to continue its animal welfare work.

The charity rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes cats and dogs across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire.

The home is currently caring for a dog called Bronco, who was found emaciated, injured and wandering alone. It’s expected that his care will cost in the region of £1,500 over an eight week period.

You can currently donate towards his care by visiting his fundraising page on JustGiving here.

This month, people are also being invited to join in a fundraising challenge event called Step Up for Rescue Pets.

Participants will raise funds to support the home’s care of vulnerable rescue cats and dogs, by walking, running, cycling, rowing or even dancing as many miles as possible during May.

Entrants will be clocking up the miles with their favourite fitness activity either in a group or as an individual with the goal of reaching a collective target of 3,000 miles.

Katy Goodship, events and community co-Ordinator at Bath Cats and Dogs Home in Claverton, Bath said: “Last year we rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed almost eight hundred animals.

“With your support ‘Stepping Up’ for rescue pets, we can continue to take care of the animals in our caregiving them a comfortable place to sleep, nutritious food and any specialist medical treatment or behaviour training they may need.

To sign-up for the challenge, visit Step Up For Rescue Pets at justgiving.com/campaign/StepUp22 or contact katygoodship@bcdh.org.uk