Knaresborough exotic animal rescue energy bills double
The centre says it has to keep on lights and heat lamps for their animals
Last updated 7th Sep 2022
A Knaresborough exotic rescue centre say their energy bills are through the roof - as they try and care for all the pets coming through the doors.
Many heart-broken owners being forced to give up their snakes or lizards because they can't afford to heat their tanks.
Dan Holmes runs the centre and says the cost of living is having a big impact and said "We're getting lots of animals in because people can't afford to keep them, they can't afford the heat on and the bulbs and all that."
The centre currently has 80 reptiles in their care.
Dan says it's heart-breaking to meet families who feel they have no choice but to give up their pets. He's been telling us "We do get a lot of people that are very heart-broken, especially children as well because they don't want to give up their animals, there is a lot of tears. I do feel sorry for them because I know how much of a struggle it is."
The new prime minister Liz Truss has pledged to “act immediately” on the energy crisis – with a price freeze funded by government-backed loans to energy companies widely expected.