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

Dogs Trust survey finds 17,730 stray dogs in Midlands¹ 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 17,730 stray dogs were picked up in the Midlands of which 359 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% in the number of stray dogs and destruction rates down nearly two thirds (63%) since 1997.

 However, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin comments;

“The figures for the Midlands 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 more work is needed regionally and we need the public to meet us. 

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 crosses through the doors of our rehoming centres, and this coupled with the current fashion for designer dogs suggest we live 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 Midlands denotes ITV Central 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:
Libby Croad
Dogs Trust press office 
020 7833 7616 
libby.croad@dogstrust.org.uk
Out of hours press office mobile:  07768 616 280

Shauna Stedman
Supporter Relations Officer, Dogs Trust Evesham
01386 834875
shauna.stedman@dogstrust.org.uk

Jane Hirons
Supporter Relations Officer, Dogs Trust Kenilworth
01926 486010
jane.hirons@dogstrust.org.uk

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:
Jane Hirons  Dogs Trust Kenilworth Supporter Relations Officer
Alison Bamford Dogs Trust Kenilworth Assistant  Manager

Rachel Wright  Dogs Trust Roden Assistant  Manager
Kerrie Ridgeway Dogs Trust Roden Assistant  Manager
Louise Campbell Dogs Trust Roden Manager

Shauna Steadman  Dogs Trust Evesham Supporter Relations Officer
Nick McCoy  Dogs Trust Evesham Assistant  Manager
Tracey Spears  Dogs Trust Evesham Assistant  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 STUDY 1: HAPPY ENDING FOR FORMER STRAY DOG

Abbey – Dogs Trust Kenilworth
Abbey is a 6 year old crossbreed who came into the centre as a stray from a nearby kennels. She stayed at the Rehoming Centre for some time after people kept on passing her by. Then the staff decided to put her forward as a Home From Home dog – where she is fostered by a volunteer and can spend more time in a home environment. She went out to live with Di Holder on a temporary basis but Di couldn’t bear to be parted from her and has since decided to keep Abbey permanently.

Di says:
“I couldn’t bear to give Abbey back again after fostering her – she’s got so much love to give and is one of the family now.”

Sandra Wilson adds:

“We’re so glad that Abbey has found a home with Di. This really goes to show how wonderful it can be when a dog that probably didn’t have the best start to her life can be given a second chance.”

Milo – Dogs Trust Roden
Milo is a Pointer/Spaniel cross who
Came to the Centre near Telford as a stray when he was two years old. Sadly he remained at the Centre for 7 years after no-one showed any interest in him. He was quite energetic and this would put people off. But that was until May 2007 when Amber Batson, a vet, fell in love with him and wanted to give him a chance.

He is doing absolutely fantastically and now lives with 3 terriers - they have the time of their lives down at the beach together.

Louise F Campbell adds:
“Because we have a non-destruction policy it meant that Milo could stay with us where he became a staff favourite and one of the family. To see him find his home with Amber has been wonderful. IT just goes to show that the right home is out there and we will do all that we can to find it for each and every dog in our care.”

Amber Batson, says:

“Milo’s story was very touching, if it wasn’t for Dogs Trust offering him more chances and not calling it a day then I would never have found him. If a stranger were to meet Milo then they would never guess that he had been in kennels for that length of time, so it just goes to show that even though the dogs may have been in kennels for a while with a little patience, love and care they soon become different dogs” 

Sam – Dogs Trust Evesham
Sam is a 5 year old Border Collie crossbreed who came to Dogs Trust after being found as a stray with a broken leg – believed to be from a road traffic accident.
 DOB 1/5/2002. Adopted on the 1/4/07 went out as a foster dog.

After treatment for his leg he found a home with Mrs Hunter who has welcomed him to her farm with her other two farm dogs!

Mrs Hunter comments:
“Sam has quickly become part of the family and gets on really well with out other working dogs. Although we’re not sure if Sam has quite got the knack of working with sheep – he tends to just chase them! We wouldn’t be without him though – he’s a joy.”

Chris Slight, Rehoming Centre Manager adds:
“It’s great to see how well Sam is doing. He must have gone through quite a lot before coming to Dogs Trust and we’re happy to say that with the TLC we provided at the Rehoming Centre he has come on in leaps and bounds. We’re so glad he’s found a wonderful new home with Mrs Hunter.”

CASE STUDY 2: RESCUE DOG LOOKING FOR A HOME

Babs – Dogs Trust Kenilworth
Babs is a 4 year old German Shepherd dog who came into the centre from the Solihull Dog Warden as a stray. She has had lots of training during her time in kennels particularly around other dogs and she will mix with other dogs but can be very selective! Her ideal home would be with people who have owned dogs before; a family like this with teenagers would be fine.

Dotty – Dogs Trust Roden
Dotty she came to Dogs Trust from the crewe dog warden on 8th june. She was straying in their area they kept her for 7 days and when nobody claimed her they brought her to Dogs Trust Roden.1 week later she gave birth to 9 puppies but unfortunately lost 3 of them. The other 6 pups are just gone 7 weeks old. Dotty is lovely with people and just wants to sit on your lap having a fuss and a cuddle. She is a fun loving loyal friendly girl.

Reggie – Dogs Trust Evesham
Reggie is a male Lurcher who is just 10 months old. He was found as a stray in April and had to be treated for severe mange. He was also terrified of water. Despite this, and with a lot of TLC, he is a friendly boy who loves people and other dogs. He will play for hours with a toy and would suit a family with older, quieter children.