On November 26th 2008 a journalist at the Sun Newspaper wrote

Animal rescuers have warned of a sharp rise in abandoned pets as the credit crunch leaves owners unable to buy food.

Staff at Yorkshire Animal Ambulance told how one tight fisted yob threw out a young Mastiff cross from a van and it was run over, injuring its hip.

Volunteer Suzanne Waller said: "This is probably the most extreme case we've had but it is the tip of the iceberg.

"We are having to deal with so many pets abandoned because their owners can't afford them."

Rescuers were called after the dog limped into an old peoples center in Batley, West Yorkshire.

Residents in Dewsbury heard of its plight and have raised £2000 since Friday to pay for veterinary bills - and nicknamed the mutt Batley.

Loretta Sutton, who was at the centre, said: "He's a lovely dog."

Cops are investigating.