Irresponsible dog owners held accountable for UK’s stray dog statistics

Dogs Trust survey finds the 9368 stray dogs in the London¹ region last year – leading charity cites the current trend for dogs as status symbols and fashion accessories as a major cause of stray dog numbers.

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has concluded that although there has been a dramatic reduction of stray dogs in the last 10 years, progress seems to have peaked and the UK’s stray population has remained at a consistent level for the last four years, despite a year on year increase of re-homing figures.

A report conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of Dogs Trust, released today, shows that 9368 stray dogs were picked up in London of which 181 were destroyed².

Looking back on 10 years, Dogs Trust can reveal that the sustained efforts of both animal welfare organisations and local authorities has had enormous benefit reducing the stray population within the UK, this follows a decrease of nearly 25 per cent in the number of stray dogs and destruction rates down nearly two thirds (63 per cent) since 1997.

 However, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin comments;

“The figures for the London are very disheartening. Ten years ago we vowed to campaign for better welfare for our lovable companions and the hard work put in by welfare organisations, like Dogs Trust and others, seems to be making good headway on a national level, but we need the public to meet us at a regional level.

“Stray figures show that we have reached a plateau and we can but conclude that there has been a cultural change in the last few years. There have been a tremendous number of breeds such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie crossbreeds through the doors of our rehoming centres, and this coupled with the current fashion for designer dogs, suggests we are living in a throwaway society.

We are asking the public to take action and to consider fully the responsibility of owning a dog…they are not a fad or a fashion statement to be disposed of when the novelty wears off.”

The introduction of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in April of this year, brings with it new legislation whereby the onus of responsibility and duty of care falls upon the owner.  It is hoped the Act as well as the new codes of practice - which are likely to be introduced in 2008 - will not only improve general animal welfare but help vastly reduce the stray dog figures.

Dogs Trust believes it is absolutely essential that it reaches this irresponsible minority and will continue to campaign for responsible dog ownership to ensure that stray dogs are a figment of the past and that no healthy dog is destroyed for want of a home.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1 London denotes Carlton TV region
2 In some cases a dog may be put to sleep due to injury or ill health

For further press information, images or interview requests, please contact:
Sharon Hatt     Sasha Johnston
Dogs Trust Press Officer   Supporter Relations Co-ordinator
020 7833 7620    01895 453950
sharon.hatt@dogstrust.org.uk  sasha.johnston@dogstrust.org.uk
07768 616 280

Please contact the Dogs Trust Press Office for full survey results, images, filming requests, case studies, details of the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres across the UK and general information on dogs.

Dogs Trust has a non destruction policy and never destroys a healthy dog.

National Spokespeople include:
Clarissa Baldwin, OBE    Dogs Trust Chief Executive
Chris Laurence, MBE QVRM TD BVSc MRCVS Dogs Trust Veterinary Director
Elvira Meucci-Lyons     Dogs Trust Head of Campaigns

Regional Spokespeople include:
Richard Moore  Dogs Trust Harefield Rehoming Centre Manager
Angela Avey   Dogs Trust Harefield Rehoming Centre Deputy Manager

All figures are estimates based on an assumption that responding authorities are representative of authorities as a whole. Results relate to the period 31st March 2006 to 1st April 2007. The 2007 survey was produced by GfK NOP who mailed questionnaires to all 432 local authorities in the UK, with a response rate of 79%. Results are weighted to represent the 432 authorities.

Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

CASE STUDIES

A stray dog finds a happy ending

Leonard is an 18 month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossbreed who was found as a stray at the end of 2006. In February 2007 he was picked for The Underdog Show on CBBC, and got to the second round! After the show had finished, and following Leonard’s brush with fame he went on to find a home with Mr and Mrs Wilson-Chalkey. He now lives with them in their happy home with their daughter, their two dogs Erte and Hockney, and their seventeen year old cat Mahler. Leonard is an energetic, playful boy, and he especially enjoys catching a ball mid–air! He loves his food and has really settled in with his new family, his owners say his ‘whippy’ tail is always wagging!  

A stray dog looking for a happy ending of their own

Billy is a two year old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier Labrador crossbreed who was found as a stray by a policeman. He’s very friendly and excitable, but prefers human company to that of other dogs. He really loves his food and toys, and he is constantly on the go. However, Billy is finding it very difficult to cope in kennels, so he doesn’t always show his soft loving side when people walk round to look at him at the Rehoming Centre. Although he needs to be taught all the basic training, he has huge potential in the right home. He needs experienced owners, with no other dogs or young children.