Stray Dog Survey 2011
This survey of dog wardens and others who manage stray dogs in the United Kingdom (UK) addresses both the number of stray dogs and what happens to them. This study finds that the number of stray dogs in the UK is at its peak and that up to 6% of all stray dogs, or about 20 dogs per day, are killed in UK shelters.
Study Highlights:
- A total of 126,176 stray dogs were handled by the 332 facilities responding to the survey
- There was a 4% increase in the number of stray dogs handled by UK authorities this year compared to last year
- Local authorities seized the majority (77%) of stray dogs brought to shelters, with individuals bringing in 16%
- Almost half (48%) of stray dogs were reunited with their owners
- 6% of stray dogs, an estimated 7,121 dogs, were killed in the shelter system between April 2010 and March 2011
- “Amongst the authorities responding it was reported that 1,190 dogs were put to sleep due to behavioural problems or aggression, 674 due to ill health, and 207 under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Reasons were not given to cover all reported cases”