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

Dogs Trust survey finds 6,970 stray dogs in Yorkshire¹ 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 6,970 stray dogs were picked up in Yorkshire of which 770 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 Yorkshire 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 the regional statistic for Yorkshire is shocking 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 Denotes the Yorkshire 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

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:
Denise Gilgallon Dogs Trust North East Campaign Manager
Sarah Powell  Dogs Trust Leeds Supporter Relations Officer
John Cullen  Dogs Trust  Leeds Rehoming Centre Assistant Manager
Matt Howden  Dogs Trust Leeds  Rehoming Centre Assistant Manager
Amanda Sands Dogs Trust Leeds Rehoming Centre 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

When Custard came to us in March he had been found wondering around the streets of Leeds, and he was in a real state. His fur was matted and in dreadlocks and it looked as though he had been chained up as he had bald patch around his neck. He was also very skinny. Despite all of this he was a very friendly dog, and you could really see that he was pleased to be at DT. Custard is about 4 and he was only with us while he got better and was successfully rehomed in April. He was rehomed with Gemma Chapman who renamed him Chance.

Amanda Sands comments: “Chance was obviously nervous but with time he became confident and much happier – we’re so glad he’s found a lovely home with Sarah.”

Gemma Chapman adds:
“Chance has come on in leaps and bounds and I’m so glad I gave him his second chance. I wouldn’t be without him.”

CASE STUDY 2: RESCUE DOG LOOKING FOR A HOME

Manny is a tri coloured cross, he was found wondering around the streets of Batley near Bradford and came to Dogs Trust on the 5th May. He is only 18 months old, and very friendly. He has hip displacement, which may need to be operated on in the future. Despite this he is very lively  and energetic, so will need an understanding home, but with someone who enjoys getting out and about.