Lost Labradors - Wales Stray Dogs Record Tops UK

More stray dogs are on the loose in Wales than in many other areas of Britain, a new survey has revealed.

The study by Dogs Trust - the UK's largest dog welfare charity - shows more than 11,000 strays were picked up in Wales this year.

The charity said there was a small drop on the previous year, this still represents 10% of the UK total.

A total of 341 dogs had to be destroyed because they could not find a home, and there are calls for more to be done.

According to the research, compiled by NOP World on behalf of the Dogs Trust, a dog strays in the UK every five minutes.

Although we've seen an encouraging drop of 15% in the number of dogs put to sleep, the figures show that hundreds of dogs are still dying needlessly in Wales every year.

The Trust's chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said that despite being a nation of dog lovers, the statistics show that "the throwaway mentality is so evident in our treatment of our own pets".

"We're deeply disturbed that despite increasing awareness of how to prevent it, so many dogs are still allowed to stray.

"It's also shocking to see how many dogs are needlessly destroyed. Over 20 dogs dies every single day just for want of a home.

Layla, 13, was found wandering the streets of Bridgend .

"It's a postcode lottery for a stray dog whether he lives or dies. Although we've seen an encouraging drop of 15% in the number of dogs put to sleep, the figures show that hundreds of dogs are still dying needlessly in Wales every year.

"At Dogs Trust we believe prevention is better than cure, and, we have an extensive campaign programme in Wales to help people understand what owning a dog involves.

"We also offer reduced rates for neutering and micro chipping dogs for people on means-tested benefits, so there really is no excuse not to get your dog neutered."

An example of one such abandoned dog is Layla, a 13-year-old Labrador found wandering around the streets in Bridgend, south Wales.

"She was just wandering, looking bewildered and scared and had obviously be a stray for some time," explained Dogs Trust spokeswoman Beverley Price.

"But she's a beautiful dog with a gentle, loving nature, so typical of her breed.

"Even though she's quite elderly and has some lumps around her neck, she's a lovely dog and would make a wonderful companion for the right home."

Layla, 13, was found wandering the streets of Bridgend.

As taken from the bbc news, on 6th September 2005.

http://www.news.bbc.co.uk