[Going to the Dogs]

150 dogs killed every week in the UK
Our new survey reveals shocking reality of life and death for man's best friend.
While local authorities make every effort to reunite stray dogs with their owners, take dogs to rescue shelters, or find new homes, dogs are still being destroyed for want of a home. Our survey shows that 150 dogs are put to sleep every week in the UK and over 105,000 stray dogs were collected.

The survey, compiled by NOP World on behalf of Dogs Trust, reveals that over 105,000 stray dogs were collected by local authorities in the last year. This means that every five minutes, somewhere in the UK a dog goes stray, and that almost 300 dogs are lost or abandoned every day.



21 dogs are needlessly destroyed every day in the UK

Almost 8,000 of these dogs were put to sleep because their owner could not be traced or a new home could not be found for them*. This equates to 21 dogs destroyed every day, and 150 every week.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, said:

“This is the sixth year Dogs Trust has conducted this survey, and we’re deeply disturbed that despite increasing awareness of how to prevent it, so many dogs are still allowed to stray. It’s sad that, though we claim to be animal-lovers, the throwaway mentality is so evident in our treatment of our own pets. It’s also shocking that so many dogs are needlessly destroyed. Over 20 dogs die every single day just for want of a home.”

The survey shows that despite a general reduction in the number of dogs put to sleep in the UK, there is significant regional variation.



150 dogs are destoyed by local authorities every week.

Clarissa Baldwin continues:

“It’s a postcode lottery for a stray dog whether he lives or dies. For example, in the north of Scotland the numbers of dogs put to sleep has increased by an incredible 150%, and a stray dog doesn’t fare well in the Midlands either, where we’ve seen a 40% increase in destructions. In London, there’s been a rise in the number of dogs put to sleep of 17%, which is quite surprising as traditionally the capital has not been one of the worst-hit areas. And in Northern Ireland, which has historically had a real problem, the chances of survival as a stray dog are really bleak, as 35% of stray dogs are put to sleep.

“On a more positive note, we’ve seen a huge reduction of destructions in the North East of England and in Yorkshire. Destructions are also down in Wales, another area which has previously been a hot spot.”

Dogs Trust believes that the most effective and humane way of reducing stray dog numbers in the long-term is best achieved through neutering. The charity has an extensive campaigns programme to promote neutering and microchipping, and in the last year alone, has invested almost £3m in neutering and microchipping in the worst affected areas. Since the scheme began in 1999, 150,000 dogs have been neutered and 184,000 have been microchipped through Dogs Trust.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, and cares for over 12,500 dogs every year through a network of 15 Rehoming Centres, with new centres opening in London and Glasgow in 2006. Dogs Trust never destroys a healthy dog in its care.

* in some cases a dog may be put to sleep due to injury or ill health.
For more details, please see the Dogs Trust site:
http://www.dogstrust...ydogsurvey2005/



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[kelli]

wow - shocking & saddening statistics :)

Beau would have been another one added to this number - so much thanks must go though to the small charities that take in alot of these pts situation dogs - they obviously cant take them all but even the few they managed to save hopefully can goon to have a good life. :)

[Nicki&hounds]

Teddy also was rescued from death row.... shocking statistics... why breed or buy when others die.... :)

[matty]

:) How S hocking and sad :)

[startia]

Just seen this and I can't believe the figures. Devastating. My friend rescued a Border Collie from death row. He now competes in obedience and has won loads of rosettes. Its just such a waste of life and so needless to do this. :lol: :) :)

[EGAR]

startia, on 30 March 2006 - 12:40 PM, said:

Just seen this and I can't believe the figures. Devastating. My friend rescued a Border Collie from death row. He now competes in obedience and has won loads of rosettes. Its just such a waste of life and so needless to do this. :lol: :) :)

And let's not forget the many Pound rescues who try their best to get dogs out and placed before their time is up. Without them the number would be much higher..

[Jagger&Ted]

A survey carried out by Greyhound Rescue Wales points out that very many councils in Wales do not check found dogs for microchips therefore these dogs are effectively regarded as homeless and after 7 days can be pts. Wales especially the cities like Cardiff, Newport and Swansea have lots of latch key dogs that are turned out to wander around while their owner is out, but this also happens all over Wales and you notice it with the amount of dog mess that is left around. Sometimes it is so bad that you have difficulty knowing where your dog has gone. :notfair: :notfair: :notfair: :notfair: