CHESHIRE, Conn. -- Animal control officers in Cheshire said the state of the economy is having a big impact on animals there.

They said they've found about a half-dozen sick dogs abandoned in recent weeks and believe it's because owners didn't wan to pay for care.

Animal control officers April Leiler said sad stories come with the job, but the story of the dog Jackson is breaking her heart.

"He was found at the notch on Route 70 here in Cheshire," she said. "He has several tumors all over him, he needs, probably to be put down. He's elderly with hip displasia and lots of tumors."

Leiler said Jackson is the latest of six very sick, older dogs that she's found over the past two months. She said she believes the economy ahs led their owners to abandon them rather than pay vet bills.

"Why do I have to bring them to the vet and cry when his owners could have done it last week?" Leiler asked.

She said Jackson will be held for a few more days in hopes of an owner showing up.

"I have a limited fund for the vet every year and I can't pay for removing tumors from six dogs that don't belong to the town of Cheshire," Leiler said.

Those who own older dogs that need veterinary assistance can turn to several resources for help, Leiler said.

"There's a clinic through the humane society, there's going to be a clinic opening in Waterbury in May that is going to offer low-cost services, and there's also organizations that can help," she said.

Leiler said Jackson's sad story takes resources from other dogs, like Scout. Scout was also abandoned, but is otherwise healthy and very adoptable. Leiler said she hopes Scout gets a hope soon and that the poor economy won't lead to more dogs like Jackson spending their final days in the pound.