NCDL Calls For End To Needless Destruction of 22,000 Dogs per Year

Survey results published today reveal that over 22,000 dogs had to be destroyed in the UK last year - because they had strayed or were abandoned, ten percent more than the previous year. The NCDL, who commissioned the research from MORI, is horrified that so many dogs are being destroyed when there are practical solutions that could dramatically reduce this needless destruction.

Of the estimated 133,400 stray dogs picked up by UK local authorities between April 98 and March 99, less than half (44%) were reclaimed by their owners, whilst one in five (21%) were passed on to rehoming organisations and one in seven (14%) were found new homes by local authorities. The remaining dogs - an estimated 22,000 - had to be destroyed as no homes could be found.

However, survey results show significant increases in the uptake of preventative programmes by local authorities: nearly one in three (31%) responding authorities now operate microchipping schemes, almost one in five have implemented neutering programmes and an overwhelming 84% are delivering educational initiatives on responsible dog ownership throughout their area.

Some further good news revealed by the survey is a 5% decrease in the total number of strays taken in by authorities - continuing the previous year's slight downward trend. The NCDL believes this reduction is a direct result of increased public awareness of the problem coupled with practical initiatives such as neutering and microchipping to support responsible dog ownership. Neutering is considered by the NCDL as the most humane way of controlling the stray dog population by preventing unwanted puppies being born - the most common cause of stray dogs.

"This needless destruction of dogs has got to stop. Despite being a minority of the population, irresponsible dog owners are contributing significantly to these death sentences. Although it is encouraging to see the total number of strays decreasing slightly year on year, we still need to address the simple fact that because there are too many strays in the UK, thousands of them have to be destroyed."

"We are already working in partnership with a number of local authorities - developing practical solutions such as subsidised neutering and microchipping schemes, and we plan to increase both our partnerships and range of initiatives. Better understanding of the factors that contribute to the stray situation is essential among the (potential) dog owning public, and we will be investing heavily in educational and awareness programmes to ensure that irresponsible dog owners become a thing of the past."

"One of the most difficult and distressing elements of what we do is dealing with the thousands of abandoned dogs that simply can't find homes. It is heartbreaking that so many healthy dogs have to be destroyed."

"The only way to seriously reduce the number of stray dogs is by ensuring that the dog owning public understand the reasons behind the problem - which is considerably helped by the partnerships between local authorities and welfare organisations such as the NCDL. With the range and variety of working partnerships that are being established, I believe we will see some positive results in the next year or two."

The NCDL believes that no healthy dog should ever be destroyed and operates a non-destruction policy in all its Rehoming Centres.

Technical details

The survey covers the period 31 March 1998 to 1 April 1999. All 436 UK local authorities were contacted between 18 June and 5 August, with respondents comprising dog wardens and environmental health officers. 268 authorities responded, resulting in a response rate of 62%. Regional rankings* for 1999 are as follows, with 12th position representing the lowest number of strays per head of population:

Rank-Region 12- London 13- South 14- Midlands 15- East Anglia 16- South West 17- Yorkshire 18- Central Scotland 19- Lancashire 20- Wales/West 21- North East 22- Border 23- Scottish Highlands

*Local authorities in Northern Ireland were also surveyed. Due to variations between NI and mainland UK definitions of what constitutes a stray dog, it would be inappropriate to compare NI figures with those of the mainland. NI is therefore not included in the regional rankings.