Stray dogs figures the highest in Northern Ireland

A recent survey by a dog welfare charity called Dogs Trust revealed that in Northern Ireland, local authorities found 11,000 stray dogs in the past year. One third of these dogs being destroyed needlessly.

Dogs Trust revealed that local authorities were responsible for putting 4,000 dogs to sleep, in spite of a 5 per cent drop in figures.

In the UK, it can be seen that Northern Ireland accounts for 10 per cent of the total figure of stray dogs that have been collected. The numbers of dogs that are destroyed is 49 per cent of the UK’s total figure.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, said: "It’s sad that, though we claim to be animal lovers, the throwaway mentality is so evident in our treatment of our own pets. It’s also shocking that so many dogs are needlessly destroyed. Over 20 dogs die every single day just for want of a home."

Even though there has been a reduction in the number of dogs being put to sleep, the survey shows that there is still a large regional variation.

Ms Baldwin added, "It’s a postcode lottery for a stray dog whether he lives or dies. In Northern Ireland, the chances of survival as a stray dog are really bleak, as 35 per cent of stray dogs are put to sleep. However the problem is preventable and we are appealing to all dog owners to consider neutering and micro-chipping their dog."

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity caring for over 12,500 dogs a year through a network of 15 re-homing centres.