The issue of animal abandonment has been brought into sharp focus after video emerged of one dog’s heartbreaking realisation it will never see its family again.

The tragic footage of Electra, a four-year-old pit bull terrier cross, went viral with more than 315,000 views since she was left at the Inland Valley Humane Society, in California last week.

The video shows a visibly traumatised Electra caged inside her new home – a cement-floor kennel.

Hers is the face of the harsh reality facing thousands of animals abandoned in Australia every year.

Watch Electra’s distressing moment below:

According to RSPCA Australia statistics, around 45,000 dogs and 56,000 cats were sent to the animal welfare organisation in the last financial year, many of which were surrendered by owners.

“Almost all of these dogs and cats have been the beloved companions of people who could no longer care for them the way all animals should be cared for,” RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said in a statement to The New Daily.

“People’s lives and circumstances can change quickly, often for reasons beyond their control … It’s important that we understand that these things are beyond the control of the animals in our lives, too – but they have an impact.”

Dr Walker said the majority of owners cited housing issues as their main reason for forfeiting their animals, whether that be moving house, their homes were too small or unsuitable fencing.

Unable to provide adequate food, basic vet care and owners’ ill health were also factors behind the alarming shelter figures.