The situation one local animal charity finds itself in today is, sadly, an all too familiar story.

The branch of Cats Protection says it has been inundated with mistreated and abandoned pets, with volunteers unable to recall a worse crisis.

Sadly it is a state of affairs which seems to be mirrored, to a greater or lesser extent, across the district and region.

Of course we would echo the pleas of volunteers and urge anyone who can offer a cat a good and loving home to get in touch with the charity, but the problem is not just a lack of new owners.

The reason why this is such a familiar tale is because people continue to mistreat pets or fail to live up to their responsibilities as owners in the first place.

And until such callous or casual attitudes change, animals will continue to suffer and hard-pressed charities will struggle to cope.

The simple truth is that anyone contemplate taking on a cat or dog should be prepared for many years of responsibility, caring and costs.

Yes, there are great rewards to be had from sharing your life with a pet, but they come with obligations.

Anyone not prepared for the latter has no right to the former, and should not even consider taking on an animal.