Officials at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police's Animal Care and Control and Second Harvest Food Bank are providing relief for the growing number of pet owners being squeezed by the economy.

WAXN-TV 64 will have Second Harvest collection barrels at the Pedigree Bark in the Park Festival on April 25th to solicit donations of pet food, which will be distributed by food banks that Second Harvest serves.

Or stop by the WSOC-TV and WAXN-TV studios to donate today. We're located at 1901 N. Tryon Street, just north of Uptown Charlotte.

“Some people are losing their homes,” said Melissa Knicely, of CMPD's Animal Care and Control. “They cannot afford pet food. Our goal is to help keep animals with their owners.”

The alternative: people either turn in their pets at the animal shelter, or turn them loose. Please donate today and help feed our 4-legged friends.