EMACIATED kittens dumped in cardboard boxes and neglected dogs have prompted a rescue centre to issue a cry for help.

The Little Darlings rescue centre in Chingford said that cats and dogs are increasingly becoming the victims of the recession because owners cannot afford to feed them or pay for veterinary bills.

Co-founder and full-time volunteer Maria Miller, 55, has a set of tabby kittens which were found dumped in Walthamstow, close to death because they were being ravaged by fleas.

At her Chingford home, she has nursed them back to health and hand-reared them so they are ready for adoption.

She said: “My phone is going every day with people who cannot afford to feed their pets. It is very serious.

“People seem to have got more cruel. When we take emaciated animals to the vets, they are shocked.

“People should not take on animals if they can’t cope with them. They need to be seriously aware that they cost money and need innoculations.

"And if they can’t cope they shouldn’t just dump them.”

Ms Miller has just re-homed an eight-month-old Staffordshire Terrier which had its legs tied and was tied up with wire in a garden, with a harness so tight that it was embedded in its skin.

More commonly, they receive cats when they become pregnant because they haven’t been spayed or kittens in a terribly neglected state.

They work closely with the police to report cases of animal cruelty and help provide information so that perpetrators can be prosecuted.

Ms Miller said they are desperately in need of animal foster carers who can look after cats and kittens until they are ready to be re-homed because they are having to turn cats and kittens away.

She said: “People need to wake up and realise there are animals being abused in Chingford. There are abandoned cats which are starving out there.”

The rescue centre, which is run entirely by volunteers, has been established for two years and is trying to generate more funds so that it can obtain its charity status.

In the meantime, it is surviving on proceeds from table top sales and donations. The next table top sale will be held at Chingford Festival in The Green on June 27.

The centre is seeking donations of gifts and bric-a-brac which it can sell at these events.

It is also seeking individuals and companies who can supply and install material to complete two kitten play sheds in the garden, and donations so that it can buy a £250 microchip scanner to ensure it does not take any cats which have owners.

If you can help, contact Maria or Ruth on 07955 010695 or 8524 8894 or email little_darlings_rescue@hotmail.com