(Each of the tiny animals were found abandoned or homeless and were being cared for at the Decoy Kitten Rescue centre in Newton Abbot)

Resting in a row, these three kittens - just a few weeks old - are looking for nothing more than care and friendship.

But they - along with 57 other kittens and 23 adult cats - will be dead within the week, the victims of a the credit crunch.

Their current home normally operates as a last hope for cats, an 'overflow' facility which looks after animals when there is no room at other cat's homes.

But staff say because of the recession and dwindling charity donations the home is now closing down - with no home for the felines.

And next Wednesday they will all be put down by lethal injection if new owners aren't found.

Each of the tiny animals were found abandoned or homeless and were being cared for at the Decoy Kitten Rescue centre in Newton Abbot, Devon.

The rescue centre, a registered charity, was set up three years ago by animals lovers Claire and John Hardwicke.

Desperate Claire, 37, said: 'It breaks my heart because it feels like we've put these kittens on death row.

'If they have nowhere else to live we'll have no choice but to put them to sleep. I just can't bear it.

'The credit crunch has been an absolute nightmare for animal charities. So many people have been dumping their animals because of the recession and also donations are way down.

Kitties in a row: But if nothing is done within a few days, these kittens will find out this is death-row with no chance of a pardon

'It's also meant there have been a lot more unwanted kittens because people can't afford to pay for vet's bills.

'We don't know what to do - we are so desperate. We were last hope for these kittens - they have nowhere else to go. It's a nightmare.'

Claire says unless a home can be found by Wednesday the 60 kittens and 23 adult cats will be put to sleep.

If you would like to donate to the home or adopt a cat, please call 07904 733126.

From: Dailymail.co.uk