Last week, we released the results of our annual Stray Dogs Report and it is great to be able to report that the number of dogs that are allowed to stray has dipped to below 100,000 for the first time. However, 100,000 is a huge number and it does reflect a rather cavalier attitude towards our canine friends. It seems it is as easy to abandon a dog as it is to purchase one.

We need now to look at ways of reducing this substantially. Interestingly, 30% of dogs that strayed were returned to their owners through microchipping which is a positive indication that this method of ID is working and gaining in importance. Whilst doing some radio and TV interviews it was a golden opportunity to encourage viewers or listeners to consider a rescue dog before turning to a pet shop, back street breeder or the classified advertisements to pick up a “retail rover”.

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