In some households, family pets are becoming the victim of the economic downturn.
Animal shelters around the state are taking in more pets and livestock because their owners can’t afford to keep them.
Jessica Danyow, animal services director at the Rutland County Humane Society, estimated the yearly cost of keeping a pet to be between $600 and $700, including food, vaccinations and other expenses.
In April the shelter took in 16 animals from people for financial reasons. Last April, 10 rescues were the result of people who couldn’t afford to keep their animals.
Heidi Edmunds, director of the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in Woodstock, says in recent months animals are being turned in by people who can’t afford housing and have to move.