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

Dogs Trust survey finds the 7037 stray dogs in Scotland¹ last year – leading charity cites the current trend for dogs as status symbols 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 7037 stray dogs were picked up in Scotland of which 349 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 from Scotland are encouraging – both in terms of the number of stray dogs that have been collected, and also the number of dogs being put to sleep – falling by 30 per cent and 28 per cent respectively. But we cannot afford to be complacent. 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 still 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 Health and Welfare Act (Scotland) 2006 in October last 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 Denotes STV 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:
Jennifer Blaber    Vicki Kelly
Dogs Trust Press Office   Dogs Trust Glasgow
020 7833 7676    0141 773 5141
jennifer.blaber@dogstrust.org.uk  victoria.kelly@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:
Jack Johnstone, Dogs Trust Field Director
Susan Tonner, Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager
Karen Hobbs, Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre Assistant Manager
Sandra Downie, Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre Manager
Victoria Kelly, Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre Supporter Relations Officer

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

Stray dogs find their own happy endings

Robson – Dogs Trust Glasgow
Robson was found as a stray at the end of 2006 as a one year old crossbreed. He was a great dog, full of energy and a love for toys. He was picked to be part of the BBC’s Underdogs Show and was partnered with BBC newsreader Mishal Hussein. Robson was a natural and thrived in the studio but sadly didn’t get through to the finals. However he did manage to win the hearts of Mr Beck and his family in Northamptonshire. After seeing him on the show they applied to rehome him and after passing all of the criteria Robson went to live with them in May of this year.

Robson had huge ‘paws’ to fill after their previous dog, Hector, passed away last year. He was amazingly intelligent, very sociable with other dogs, and highly people-focused. They did not expect to be able to replace him with another dog with equal qualities, but nevertheless were certain that adopting a rescue dog – as Hector had been too - was by far the best way forward.

Mr Beck comments: “I am delighted to say that Robson is a very worthy successor to Hector; Robson has lived up to our expectations in every way, and is joy to have around. He has definitely filled Hector's "paws" to the full. All our neighbours have been round to meet him and many then have asked to be allowed to take him for walks - he's that sort of dog! Thank you to Dog's Trust Glasgow, for giving us the opportunity to own such a wonderful pet."

Sandra Downie, Glasgow Rehoming Centre Manager adds: “Robson was a real staff favourite and we loved cheering him on when he was on the Underdogs Show. Now to hear he has found such a wonderful home with the Beck family is just great and we’re glad we’ve been able to match these two together so perfectly.”

Sophie – Dogs Trust West Calder
Pixie (as she was known then) was found as a stray after being seen running loose in muddy fields near West Calder. She came to Dogs Trust West Calder and soon found a home with Bert Hunter, who renamed her Sophie.

Susan Tonner: “When we found Pixie she was covered in mud from running around in the fields but after we managed to get her back to the Centre and clean her up she quickly became a staff favourite, so much so that she was soon rehomed by Bert Hunter, our Maintenance Man.”

Bert Hunter adds: “Sophie is such a great little dog, she’s got real character and has been a great addition to our home. Its sad to think that she had just been abandoned and left to stray like she had but thankfully we’ve now found each other and she’s not going anywhere now!”

Stray dogs looking for a happy ending of their own

Major – Dogs Trust West Calder
Major is a 9 year old German Shepherd Dog who was turfed out onto the streets at Christmas 2006. He has been in a dog pound desperately looking for a new home until recently transferred to Dogs Trust in West Calder, Livingston where he is enjoying his walks and cuddles. Major is very friendly with everyone that he meets and loves to play with toys

Major loves his walks and is a very intelligent and loyal dog who deserves a home in front of a cosy fire.  He is a little too large to be with young children and prefers good looking lady dogs! Major is vaccinated, neutered and microchipped and comes with insurance and free behavioural advice. Dogs Trust will pay Major’s vet bills for the remainder of his life.

Jeff – Dogs Trust Glasgow
Jeff is a 4 year old Border Terrier crossbreed who came to Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre after being found as a stray; wearing a tag with the name ‘Toby’ on it. Because he was a stray the staff knew very little about his background, but they did discover that he was quite defensive when his name was called out. To ease his nerves the staff renamed him Jeff.

Dogs Trust allocated a dedicated canine carer to work with Jeff directly, Karen Verne, who socialised him and helped him to build trust.
Since this one-to-one attention Jeff has come on in leaps and bounds and the staff at Dogs Trust Glasgow really want to find him a new home where he can learn how to trust, enjoy life once again and have some doggie fun.