Charity’s concern as stray dog numbers surge

The 16th annual Stray Dog Survey, conducted on behalf of the Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, reveals that the total number of stray dogs picked up by local authorities in the eastern region has increased by 85 per cent since 2008, when figures were at their lowest since regional data was recorded in 2004.

The total number of stray dogs in the region increased from 4,126 in 2008 to 7,648 in 2012, equating to 20 dogs now being picked up each day.

The overall number of strays collected in the UK was 118,932, an increase of 23 per cent on 2008, when the total was 96,892.

Kate Brewster of the Dogs Trust said: ”This year’s Stray Dog Survey represents depressing news with the total number of strays remaining at high levels. Many of these dogs will end up with rescue centres such as Dogs Trust.

“Dogs Trust works closely with Local Authorities and runs extensive education, neutering and microchipping campaigns to help them to tackle the issue of stray dogs.

“Local authorities should be congratulated for all of their hard work in a very difficult climate, but there is a long way still to go.”

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