News – Increase in Number of Stray Dogs

An average of 32 stray dogs are picked up per day in London

The number of stray dogs on London streets has risen by 64% over the past year, a charity has found.

The Dogs Trust said 11,763 stray dogs were picked up in the capital in the year to March. The number of stray dogs across the UK rose by 11% to 107,228.

It blamed the rise on the recession but said the fact that strays are now reported directly to councils rather than to the police was also a factor.

The charity wants the microchipping of dogs to become compulsory.

London councils picked up an average of 32 stray dogs per day from April 2008 to March 2009, the Dogs Trust said.

During that time, 262 stray London dogs were put to sleep for want of a home.

Since 2008 police in England and Wales are no longer responsible for stray dogs.

The charity said this was a factor in the sudden rise, as stray dogs are now immediately taken to council offices and recorded.

In the past dogs were taken to police stations, where there owners may have collected them before being recorded.

The Dogs Trust wants the government to make it a legal requirement for owners to have a microchip inserted under their dog’s skin.

This will enable lost or stray dogs to be easily identified and reunited promptly with their owners, it said.

Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said: “Microchipping is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner and has helped so many people become reunited with their beloved pets.”