World News for Students of English

22-08-2022 07:00

The cost of the living crisis is worsening, leading some UK pet owners to give up their animals to save money.

UK’s famous Battersea charity is currently caring for hundreds of dogs and cats, and similar centers around the country say they’re receiving record inquiries for dog and cat returns.

Many owners say the additional cost of food and veterinary care isn’t manageable. One owner came to the charity to return a pregnant cat because he was no longer able to afford to care for the cat and her unborn kittens.

The trend follows a surge in demand for pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. UK households are dealing with a huge crisis in their energy bills, and experts warn a recession is going to come. Some charities warn it can put millions of people into poverty, and they hope that someone will be able to give the animals permanent homes.

Difficult words: inquiry (an informational question), recession (low economic activity), poverty (very poor).

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