Animal shelters across Norfolk are facing unprecedented difficulties in the face of rising costs and overwhelming demand, with owners struggling to afford to keep their pets.

The pressures have already seen a number of local organisations close their doors in recent months, further increasing the strain on those that remain.

Thousands of animals are now being cared for in shelters, with many sites full to capacity meaning some creatures have to be turned away and put down.

People running the shelters say they are a double victim of the cost of living crisis, suffering not only from a huge increase in their running costs - for food and energy, for instance - but also because growing numbers of people are giving up their pets because they cannot afford to keep them.

Eastern Daily Press: A rescued 17-day-old piglet tucking into a bottle at the Hallswood animal sanctuaryA rescued 17-day-old piglet tucking into a bottle at the Hallswood animal sanctuary (Image: Denise Bradley)They say pets are now being brought into Norfolk shelters from out of the county, with many of the animals suffering from malnutrition or other conditions, as their owners could not afford vets bills or food.

One shelter, Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, in Stratton Strawless, is now home to 1,600 animals. 

This figure has doubled over the last few years with the centre housing only around 800 animals in 2019.

Lyz Hall, owner, said: "It's absolutely insane. I've never known it to be this bad. 

"Everyone is feeling the pinch and people are getting desperate, malnutrition has been a huge problem among pets we've taken in as owners can't afford proper food.

"The phone does not stop ringing and there aren't enough donations to go around."

Eastern Daily Press: Lyz Hall with a rabbit at the Hallswood animal sanctuaryLyz Hall with a rabbit at the Hallswood animal sanctuary (Image: Denise Bradley)Ms Hall added: "Costs are astronomic and it's a massive drain on our finances. 

"We've had people driving all the way from Suffolk to surrender their pets because so many shelters are at capacity. 

"The demand is massive."

Last summer saw Hallswood take in a record number of 11 dogs in one day after they were rescued from a breeder who was no longer able to care for them.

Another six that the centre was not able to take in had to be euthanised by another organisation. 

Eastern Daily Press: Rescued cat, Chester, six, who is looking for a home, at the Hallswood animal sanctuaryRescued cat, Chester, six, who is looking for a home, at the Hallswood animal sanctuary (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE: Dog rescue centre announces closure amid cost of living crisis

RSPCA West Norfolk, in King's Lynn, has also been overwhelmed by a huge number of animals needing homes and has been at capacity since last April. 

The centre, once referred to as Norfolk's Battersea Dogs Home, saw a 38% increase in the number of animals rehomed in 2023.

Eastern Daily Press: Caul Saunders is the general manager at RSPCA West NorfolkCaul Saunders is the general manager at RSPCA West Norfolk (Image: RSPCA)Carl Saunders, branch manager, said: "We're doing everything we can to minimise expenditure as we are spending an awful lot on electricity costs, among other things. 

"We have a charity shop in King's Lynn that has increased our revenue quite significantly, but I don't know where would be without that.

"We have been successful in rehoming but we still have a waiting list for animals."

Among those to close under the pressure has been Meadowgreen Dog Rescue Centre, in Loddon. 

Greyhound Trust Eastern Counties, which was based at the same site, has struggled to find affordable replacement kennels since that closure.

For more information on how to donate visit hallswood.co.uk or westnorfolkrspca.org.uk.