Your pictures: 55 moving photos of Mansfield and Ashfield rescue pets and their stories

We're a nation of animal lovers with plenty of time for our furry friends – so it really is no surprise that Chad readers across the Mansfield area have rescued a pet (or two) over the years.

Many readers have rescued their pets from cases of neglect, abuse, or abandonment.

With Christmas fast approaching and the rising cost of living, rescue charities have seen an influx of pets needing to be rehomed.

The RSPCA – the lead animal charity – has issued a call for animal lovers to consider adopting a pet as many rescue centres are full to bursting.

There are also many independent rescue charities in the area, giving dogs and cats a second chance.

We asked Chad readers to share photos and stories of their rescued pets, to spread the word of the type of impact a rescued pet can have.

For a full extensive list of submissions, visit rb.gy/6pij6r

Here are 55 photos sent in by Thursday, November 23, of rescue pets in the area – rehomed by our readers.