MORE than 3,000 dogs have been lost or abandoned by their owners across Scotland in the past twelve months, according to the annual Stray Dog Survey by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity.

The Dogs Trust survey shows the lowest number of strays, 66,277, were picked up by local authorities in the UK since data collection started 20 years ago, thanks to the introduction of compulsory microchipping last year.

Despite the number of stray dogs in Scotland also falling from 3,267 to 3,026, Dogs Trust found that around a third of these remained in council pounds, unclaimed by their owners.

Glasgow Times:

Allowing a dog to stray puts them at risk of being put down by local authorities after seven days, as they struggle to care for the vast numbers of strays that are picked up on the streets of the UK every day.

While Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog down, more than 100 were destroyed by reluctant local authorities in Scotland in the last year.

Sandra Lawton, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Glasgow, said: “This year’s stray dog survey is a double edged sword. Whilst showing that the number of strays has fallen and nationally there has been the greatest reduction in stray numbers since records began, the findings also show that owners are failing to follow the law when it comes to ensuring the details on the microchip are up-to-date."

Glasgow Times:

Research carried out by Dogs Trust worryingly revealed that only one in four people know how to contact the local dog warden if they find a stray dog.

To highlight the issue, Dogs Trust took to the streets with its own ‘stray’ dog, actor Henry, as he approached members of the public to help guide him home.

Jen Terris, Campaigns Manager for Dogs Trust in Scotland, said: “Families don’t purchase pet dogs with the intention of giving them up at a later stage, however, for various reasons this does unfortunately happen."

"By improving education, awareness and offering support to those who need it, we can help keep their dogs safe, while ensuring more dogs remain in happy homes.”

Dog Wardens patrol Glasgow and respond to reports to collect stray dogs throughout the city and transfer them to the kennels who will try to identify their owner and re-unite them.

The Dog Warden service is available between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Outwith these hours the dog should either be taken to the local Police Station or reported by calling 101.

To report a stray dog to Glasgow City Council, click HERE.