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03/09/2008
Eighteen Stray Dogs Put To Sleep Every Day
A Dog welfare charity's annual Stray Dogs Report has revealed an estimated 96,892 stray dogs were taken in by local councils in the UK last year; 6,710 of which were put to sleep for want of a home.
Dogs Trust is urging those looking for a new dog to visit their local rescue centre before splashing the cash on a 'retail rover'.
Despite the sustained efforts of both animal welfare organisations and local authorities, on average 11 stray and unwanted dogs an hour are handled by local authorities.
Every 80 minutes a dog is put to sleep. Each hour five dogs are reunited with their owners, three are taken to welfare organisations and one is rehomed.
The report conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of Dogs Trust shows a reduction from the previous year but as the charity's Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin, explains, there is still much work to do: "This is the first year that the number of stray dogs in the UK has dropped below 100,000. But this is still far too high a figure - it's 6,000 more than the number of seats at Wembley! For a nation of so-called animal lovers it is unacceptable that pets are being treated as throwaway commodities. Dog ownership is a privilege, not a right.
"Dogs Trust is working closely with local authorities and runs extensive education, neutering and microchipping campaigns to help them to tackle the issue. As a result the number of stray dogs has dropped gradually in the past ten years.
"However the onus remains on owners to accept their responsibility. Get your dog neutered and microchipped and ensure he is wearing an ID tag so that if he is lost he can be reunited with you more easily."
The charity believes the most effective and humane way of reducing stray dog numbers in the long-term is best achieved through education, neutering and microchipping. Last year microchips helped reunite 30% of strays with their owners.
Dogs Trust invests approximately £5m each year in neutering, microchipping and education programmes in the worst affected areas of the UK - Northern Ireland, North West, North East and Wales. Since the campaigns began in 1999, over 270,000 dogs have been neutered and 228,000 have been microchipped through Dogs Trust.
(GK/JM)
Dogs Trust is urging those looking for a new dog to visit their local rescue centre before splashing the cash on a 'retail rover'.
Despite the sustained efforts of both animal welfare organisations and local authorities, on average 11 stray and unwanted dogs an hour are handled by local authorities.
Every 80 minutes a dog is put to sleep. Each hour five dogs are reunited with their owners, three are taken to welfare organisations and one is rehomed.
The report conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of Dogs Trust shows a reduction from the previous year but as the charity's Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin, explains, there is still much work to do: "This is the first year that the number of stray dogs in the UK has dropped below 100,000. But this is still far too high a figure - it's 6,000 more than the number of seats at Wembley! For a nation of so-called animal lovers it is unacceptable that pets are being treated as throwaway commodities. Dog ownership is a privilege, not a right.
"Dogs Trust is working closely with local authorities and runs extensive education, neutering and microchipping campaigns to help them to tackle the issue. As a result the number of stray dogs has dropped gradually in the past ten years.
"However the onus remains on owners to accept their responsibility. Get your dog neutered and microchipped and ensure he is wearing an ID tag so that if he is lost he can be reunited with you more easily."
The charity believes the most effective and humane way of reducing stray dog numbers in the long-term is best achieved through education, neutering and microchipping. Last year microchips helped reunite 30% of strays with their owners.
Dogs Trust invests approximately £5m each year in neutering, microchipping and education programmes in the worst affected areas of the UK - Northern Ireland, North West, North East and Wales. Since the campaigns began in 1999, over 270,000 dogs have been neutered and 228,000 have been microchipped through Dogs Trust.
(GK/JM)
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21 July 2004
10,000 stray dogs 'needlessly' destroyed in UK
Nearly 10,000 stray dogs were destroyed by local authorities in the UK last year, according to a new survey by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. According to Dogs Trust, an average of one dog per hour was being put to sleep simply because their owners could not be traced or new homes found for them.
10,000 stray dogs 'needlessly' destroyed in UK
Nearly 10,000 stray dogs were destroyed by local authorities in the UK last year, according to a new survey by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. According to Dogs Trust, an average of one dog per hour was being put to sleep simply because their owners could not be traced or new homes found for them.
06 September 2005
Survey reveals plight of stray dogs
Local authorities put down around 150 stray dogs every week in the UK, because their owners cannot be traced or new owners found for them, a survey has found. The survey, conducted on behalf of the Dogs Trust charity, found that 21 dogs are destroyed in the UK every day, amounting to 150 per week and almost 8,000 per year.
Survey reveals plight of stray dogs
Local authorities put down around 150 stray dogs every week in the UK, because their owners cannot be traced or new owners found for them, a survey has found. The survey, conducted on behalf of the Dogs Trust charity, found that 21 dogs are destroyed in the UK every day, amounting to 150 per week and almost 8,000 per year.
04 April 2008
Law Change Sparks Fears Over Stray Dogs
The mistreatment of animals is hitting the headlines once again, with a warning that more stray dogs could be left on the streets, due to a law change. Councils in England and Wales are to become responsible for dealing with stray animals 24-hours a day from Sunday. Currently, police deal with stray animals at nights and weekends.
Law Change Sparks Fears Over Stray Dogs
The mistreatment of animals is hitting the headlines once again, with a warning that more stray dogs could be left on the streets, due to a law change. Councils in England and Wales are to become responsible for dealing with stray animals 24-hours a day from Sunday. Currently, police deal with stray animals at nights and weekends.
02 April 2015
Two Attacked By Dog In Staffordshire
Two people have been injured after they were attacked by a dog in Mid-Staffordshire. A three-year-old boy and his grandmother were injured in the incident, which occurred at a family farm in Mid-Staffordshire on Wednesday evening.
Two Attacked By Dog In Staffordshire
Two people have been injured after they were attacked by a dog in Mid-Staffordshire. A three-year-old boy and his grandmother were injured in the incident, which occurred at a family farm in Mid-Staffordshire on Wednesday evening.
13 May 2014
Owners To Face Longer Sentences Over Dog Attacks
Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today, Tuesday. Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.
Owners To Face Longer Sentences Over Dog Attacks
Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today, Tuesday. Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
