Who Kills Forty Dogs A Day?

The UK- allegedly a nation of dog lovers - is needlessly killing nearly 15,000 healthy dogs a year, a NCDL/MORI survey can reveal.

The shocking figures show that 13% of the nation's 113,500 stray dogs are being killed just because their owners cannot be traced or a new owner found. The NCDL, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, believes that no healthy dog should be put to sleep and is urging all dog owners to help them stop this senseless destruction.

THE FACTS

• Last year there were 113,500 stray dogs in the UK, 14,800 (13%) of which were put to sleep.
• Out of these 113,500 stray dogs, 24,970 (22%) were passed on to welfare organisations, and 17,025 (15%) were rehomed by the local authority.
• There was an average of 263 stray dogs per local authority
• It is estimated that there is 1 stray dog for every 510 people across the UK
• Last year a massive 16356,600 was spent tackling the stray dog problem per authority, with an estimated 16324.5m spent in total.

DESTRUCTION BLACK SPOTS:

• Northern Ireland: This remains a significant problem area. A massive 6,000 (53%) out of 11,400 stray dogs were destroyed - one in every two dogs. However, Northern Ireland has the highest rate of return of stray dogs to their owners through microchipping.
• North East: Out of 9,300 strays, 2,200 (24%) were destroyed.
• Yorkshire: Out of 6,900 strays, 1,300 (19%) were destroyed

HOWEVER: The NCDL continues to work hard in Northern Ireland, Wales, North West and North East with its groundbreaking "Give A Dog A Life" campaign. This involves initiatives such as microchipping, neutering and education to help reduce the number of stray and abandoned dogs. Also, in areas were the campaign is operating, dogs are more likely to find a home than in areas in the same region where the scheme is not in place.

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT:

• Nationally, the number of strays is -7% points lower, from 122,000 in 1999 to 113,500 last year. Ten of the 13 regions recorded a decrease in the estimated number of strays, most notably in the East and Anglia (-37% points ) Borders (-24% points).
• The number of dogs put to sleep has also fallen from 17,100 to 14,800. Six regions saw a decline in their destruction rate, notably Central Scotland (-7% points).
• The stray dog figure for last year is the lowest recorded number since the survey began in 1996.
• It is also estimated that 14,755 (13%) of the 113,500 stray dogs were returned directly to their owners without kennelling, and that an increasing number of dogs were returned in this way as a result of being microchipped. In addition, more councils than ever are taking part in microchipping and neutering schemes to help reduce the UK's stray dog problem.

Although nationally the number of strays has declined for the fifth year running, the NCDL continues to urge dog owners to be responsible and help reduce these numbers even further. This can be achieved by having your dog neutered to prevent unplanned litters - the main cause of strays. Owners should also have their dog microchipped, a permanent form of identification, which means he can be returned quickly and easily to his owner should he stray.

Clarissa Baldwin, NCDL Chief Executive, says:

"It's easy to turn a blind eye to this senseless destruction but it is irresponsible dog owners throughout the UK who are condemning these dogs to death. Please, please get your dog neutered and microchipped and help reduce the number of strays on the streets."

"Thanks to NCDL initiatives the numbers of stray dogs across the UK has declined, and less are being put to sleep. However, there is a long way to go - after all we are supposed to be a nation of dog lovers, so let's try to live up to our reputation by striving towards the day when absolutely no healthy dog is destroyed."

Paul Ounsworth, Vice Chairman of the National Dog Wardens' Association says:

To find your nearest Rehoming Centre please call 08457-646 000.

• All of the UK's 436 local authorities were sent a survey, 269 of which were returned, giving a response rate of 62%.
• The figures given are from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

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