A growing amount of people who picked up a new furry friend to help get through lockdowns are now unable to look after them.

There’s been nearly a 70 per cent increase in the number of cats being dropped off at shelters, as well as a 40 per cent increase in the number of dogs.

Chief Executive of the Animal Welfare League NSW Stephen Albin told Jim Wilson people are struggling to cope with looking after their pets.

“People who adopted animals during the lockdown are no longer at home to look after them.”

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Photo: istock