Stories

Tue, 18 Aug 2026

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 'It was either feed my animals or feed myself'

Pet food banks says donations of food have dipped over the summer.

* Donations to pet food banks have decreased over summer, leading to shortages in dog and cat food.
* Some owners are choosing to feed their pets before themselves, highlighting the financial struggles faced by many families.
* Pet owner Vicky Bye credits a local pet food bank with helping her get back on her feet after unexpected financial difficulties.
* Bye now fundraises and donates to the food bank, which is running low on supplies.
* Bath Cats and Dogs Home has also seen a drop in donations of dog food, possibly due to its higher cost compared to cat food.
* Foodbank manager Maria Stevenson notes that pet owners are often forced to prioritize their pets' needs over their own.