Stray dog numbers on the increase

Dogs Trust in Hamstead Marshall says that calls asking for dogs to be taken in were far outweighing homing offers

THE DOGS Trust in Hamstead Marshall has revealed a startling increase in the amount of dogs seeking new homes, while new statistics show that nationwide, nearly one dog an hour is put to sleep by local authorities.

Manager of the Dog's Trust, at Plumbs Farm, Maureen Iggledon, said the number of telephone calls received by the trust asking for dogs to be taken in was far outweighing offers of new homes for dogs.

“It used to be fairly seasonal, but it's been fairly constant now for the past year,” said Mrs Iggledon, adding the situation had been building up over the last couple of years.

“We do what we can - we have an average of 50 to 60 dogs here at any one time,” she said.

While strongly emphasising the trust's ‘non-destruction' of dogs policy, she said it was having to be selective in the type of dog taken in.

”We have to turn dogs away if we think we won't be able to re-home them,” she said.

Mrs Iggledon said the “summer holiday puppy,” was a real problem in the autumn, when the clocks went back and people returned to work and school after the long holidays and dogs were suddenly left alone at home:

“We are beginning to think people are not taking on dogs long term anymore,” she said.

Recent (Sept 5) statistics issued by the Dogs Trust reveal a dramatic 83 per cent increase in 2011 in the number of stray dogs put to sleep by local authorities in the Meridian television region.

Nationally six per cent, (7,121) dogs were put to sleep in the last year by local authorities for want of a home, which the trust says is a “startling” 11 per cent increase on last year.

This means 20 dogs are put to sleep across the UK each day.

Mrs Iggledon made a plea for anyone who could home a dog to contact the trust in Hamstead Marshall, adding: “If you don't find the dog you are looking for on your first visit, please stay in touch.”

The trust also welcomes donations, including of dog food and biscuits, along with dog treats for use in training, and, surprisingly - tinned hot dogs, also popular training treats, along with Primula cheese in ‘squeezy' containers, which the trust put inside tubes, for the dogs to enjoy licking out.

Unwanted towels and blankets are also very welcome.

Anyone who can offer a dog a good and permanent home, or with donations should contact the Dog's Trust telephone (01488) 658391, or visit the trust at Plumb's Farm, Hamstead Marshall, RG20 0HR, open: 12pm to 4pm, closed Wednesday.