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Rising numbers of pets are being abandoned as animals pay the price for their owners’ economic struggles, an animal charity has warned.

The RSPCA reported that nationwide 40,595 animals were abandoned in 2011, up from 24,638 in 2007 – nearly 65pc.

Chief executive Gavin Grant warned animals face “dark times” with charities in greater demand than ever and public generosity under severe pressure.

The RSPCA also reported an increase in time taken to rehome animals, leading to increased costs for the charity as a whole.

It is responding to 25,000 calls a week and has seen a 23.5pc rise in cruelty convictions in five years.

Mr Grant said: “The recession may be over but these are very dark times for its silent victims – the animals. They have never needed our help so desperately.”

His concerns were echoed by Hillside Animal Sanctuary, north of Norwich, which says it has seen a surge in admissions, a drop-off in rehoming, and has had to launch fundraising appeals to meet its costs.

Founder Wendy Valentine said in a typical year the charity would take in 50 to 70 horses and ponies – this year they have already taken in 250.

She said: “There’s been a definite increase in the number of animals we are seeing.”

She said Hillside had had to launch fundraising campaigns to maintain the animals it had saved.