Dogs used as status symbols to throw away

[Cassiepeia]

newwales.co.uk

More than 10,000 stray dogs were collected in Wales last year and the many special breeds picked up suggests dogs are being used as status symbols and fashion accessories in a throwaway society.

In a new report today Dogs Trust Chief Executive Clarissa Baldwin says:

"The figures for Wales are very disheartening. Ten years ago we vowed to campaign for better welfare for our lovable companions and the hard work put in by welfare
organisations, like Dogs Trust and others, seems to be making good headway on a national level, but we need the public to meet us at a regional level.

"Stray figures show that we have reached a plateau and we can but conclude that there has been a cultural change in the last few years.

"There have been a tremendous number of breeds such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie Crosses through the doors of our rehoming centres, and this coupled with the current fashion for designer dogs such as Labradoodle and Cockerpoos suggests we are living in a throwaway society."

Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity. It has a non destruction policy and never destroys a healthy dog.

The Trust says introduction of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in March of this year, brings with it new legislation whereby the onus of responsibility and duty of care falls upon the owner.

It is hoped the Act as well as the new codes of practice - which is likely to be introduced in 2008 - will not only improve general animal welfare but help vastly reduce the stray dog figures.

Dogs Trust believes it is absolutely essential that it reaches this irresponsible minority and will continue to encourage responsible dog ownership through subsidised
neutering and other campaigns to ensure that stray dogs are a figment of the past and that no healthy dog is destroyed for want of a home.

Dog owners can call Dogs Trust neutering hotline for more information: 0845 6063036