Nearly 4,000 stray dogs killed in NI last year

Local authorities in Northern Ireland destroyed nearly 4,000 stray dogs last year according to a new survey by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity.

The figure equates to an average of 11 dogs a day being put to sleep – an increase of 15% on the previous year and in stark contrast to the 2% decrease seen across the UK as a whole.

The survey results, compiled by NOP World, also show that there were over 10,000 stray dogs collected across Northern Ireland by local authorities in 2003.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin, said it was disturbing that so many stray dogs were being "needlessly killed each year".

She added: "Every dog should be a wanted dog and Dogs Trust will continue to fight for an end to this unnecessary destruction.

“On a more positive note however we have seen a 6% decrease in the number of strays collected by local authorities in Northern Ireland. This proves that the stray dog problem is solvable and we are calling on the nation’s dog owners to help us achieve this aim sooner rather than later.”

Northern Ireland Campaigns Manager, Ronnie Milsop, added: “Northern Ireland is the UK’s worst offender when it comes to stray dogs. To combat this, Dogs Trust is investing heavily in the province and more recently launched the 'It’s Nicer to Neuter' TV campaign which featured the comic duo – the Neuter Boys."

Mr Milsop called on local dog owners to do their bit by getting their dogs neutered. Anyone interested can call the Campaigns hotline on 0845 606 3036 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

(MB)