Charity concern at stray and abandoned dogs

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic has been a very human issue, the impact of the virus is now threatening the welfare of the UK’s dogs.

That is the concern of the Dogs Trust who are predicting up to 40,000 more stray or abandoned dogs could be in need of help due to the crisis.

The charity said there could be a sharp rise in the number of dogs being given up or put to sleep if families struggle to cope with the resulting hardships of the crisis.

Charity bosses fear a similar rise in stray and abandoned dogs to the 25.6 per cent increase recorded the year after the financial crisis in 2008, if there was to be a similar economic disaster due to coronavirus.

However, experts at Dogs Trust warn that the fallout of the pandemic could worsen as it also anticipates more dogs being abandoned due to behaviour problems like separation anxiety, which could develop either during, or as a result of lockdown.

Last year, the charity’s annual Stray Dog Survey found that 46 per cent of dogs in local authority kennels were left with nowhere to turn and needed the support of welfare organisations like Dogs Trust.

However, the charity said that if enough safe rescue shelter space cannot be found for dogs taken in by local authorities, euthanasia rates could also increase by up to 25 per cent in the next year. This was seen in 2009 following the recession – meaning over 1,800 dogs in local authority shelters could be put to sleep unnecessarily.

Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: “In these extraordinary times we know that circumstances can change in a heartbeat. The sad reality is that in times of financial hardship many people struggle to cope with looking after their pets, and the number of abandoned dogs has gone up.

“We saw this in 2008, and we’re extremely concerned that history could repeat itself in the coming months.”

The charity has launched an urgent appeal to help ensure it can continue to provide help for dogs in need now and in the future

He said: “We’ve already taken a number of dogs in from owners who have sadly passed away from or been hospitalised with COVID-19.

“We’re doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this crisis on dog welfare, and would urge anyone needing to give up their dog to please turn to us first, and we’ll do everything we possibly can to help you and your dog.

“But we know the worst is yet to come and, like all charities, Dogs Trust is being hit hard by this crisis. We’re very grateful for the donations we have received and for this continued support.

He added: “This will help us be there for as many dogs as possible and navigate the months and years ahead.”

Donate to the appeal by visiting the charity’s website.