Fewer lost dogs are being reunited with their owners than ever before as the number of strays increases, a leading charity has warned. The Dogs Trust has sounded the alarm that for the first time it has recorded more strays ending up in the care of rehoming organisations than back with their owners. It also flags up a “worrying” increase in strays being put to sleep.
The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means many owners find themselves in the “heartbreaking” position of no longer being able to afford their dogs. It also suspects financial pressures on local authorities may be limiting their ability to track down owners. Its stray dog survey found that while around six out of 10 dogs in the care of councils had been microchipped, fewer than four out of 10 had the correct owner details.
More than 36,000 dogs were handled by local authorities between April 2023 and March last year. Just 39% taken in by dog wardens were reunited with their owners, compared with 54% in 2021-22. The Dogs Trust is concerned that the number of strays being put to sleep may have gone up by more than 1,800. Dogs were put down because of behavioural issues (42%), ill health (25%) and requirements of the Dangerous Dogs Act (24%).
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or their crosses, were the most likely to be strays. Lurchers, crossbreeds and Jack Russells are also among the most commonly separated from their owners.
The trust’s Maria Murray said: “After several years of steady progress in reuniting stray dogs with their owners, we’re now seeing a sharp and worrying reversal. For the first time since our stray dog survey began back in 1997, the data shows more dogs are now being passed to welfare organisations than reunited with their owners.
“This coincides with a concerning rise in the number of dogs being put to sleep if they are unable to be reunited with their owners. While the exact causes are unclear, financial pressures on local authorities may be limiting their ability to trace and return dogs, pushing more into the care of charities.
“At the same time, rising numbers of stray and unwanted dogs appear to reflect the ongoing cost of living crisis, which we know is hitting dog owners particularly hard. Our own research shows dog-related costs have soared, putting many owners in the heartbreaking position of no longer being able to care for their pets.”
She added: “If you find yourself in this position, please contact us or one of the many organisations working across the country to support owners and keep as many dogs with their families as possible. It’s also vital you check that the details on your dog’s microchips are up to date so that, if the worse happens and you are separated from your pet, you can be reunited as quickly as possible.”
