Alfie, a rescue dog plays with a ball at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London December 18, 2008. It's not just bankers, businesses and ordinary members of the public suffering from the credit crunch. Animals are having a bad time too. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the best-known animal refuge centre located in south London, said it was at bursting point as some people dumped pets they could no longer afford to keep. (Agencies)