Desperate owners are resorting to giving up their pets as the coast of living continues to put pressure on households.

This has been highlighted in a post on Facebook by the SPCA.

Recently one of the organisations field officers returned to his vehicle to find a pup tethered to the back of it.

“The wee boy had been positioned on the shady side of the vehicle, with water and food provided within his reach,” says a post on the SPCA Facebook page.

“A note had been attached to the back of our vehicle asking if we could please take this pup back to SPCA and care for him, because they were no longer able to do that.

“This is the unfortunate reality for many pet owners in New Zealand, and with the cost of living crisis, it’s only becoming more common for people to have to give up their animals.

“We are grateful to this pup’s owner for making provisions to ensure he would be cared for, but saddened that someone who clearly cares for their animal had to give it up.

“Like all rescues, SPCA is struggling to keep up with the number of animals and owners needing help in our communities, but we are always here to support however we can.

“It is always, always better to reach out to us for help than to dump your animals, which will only serve to boost the stray and unwanted population.”

People wanting to get in touch with the SPCA, can do so here.