Animal refuges in Britain are ‘full to bursting’ as owners give up pets in cash crisis

With food, energy and vet bills soaring, sanctuaries face huge demand for space and fewer offers of new homes

It's another busy day at Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in north Somerset where Lou - who has been part of the team for 23 years - is cleaning the pens and preparing food in the cattery where Margaux is nursing her 10-day-old kittens.

Margaux's owner was made homeless due to the cost of living crisis. With no place to call home and an uncertain future, she could no longer care for her much-loved cat. Having to say goodbye to her pet and bring her to Holly Hedge was heartbreaking, but such stories are becoming increasingly familiar to the staff and volunteers at the sanctuary in Barrow Gurney, near Bristol.