Trends that relate to the increase:-

1. The recession is having a big impact and people are finding it hard financially keeping their pets,
2. Growing use of animals as fashion accessories with pets thrown away when no longer needed.
   
3. Status symbols, particularly Pit/Bull Breeds

Problem Areas More than 126,176 dogs were picked up by local authorities over the last 12 months, an increase of 4% on the previous year which equates to 345 stray dogs being found every day and these figures do not include the many dogs that are taken direct to animal sanctuaries.
Wardens are finding it increasingly difficult to find homes or boarding, generally seven days is the norm before a dog is put to sleep, with some stretching to 14 day, resulting in many cases being a very last minute reprieve.
With budget cuts in funding Wardens just cannot afford to keep them any longer.
This is generally a National problem, for instance:-

1. The Anglia region the number of dogs destroyed increased by 37%, from 202 to 277, and a 23% decrease in dogs being re-united with their owners.
   However, the number of strays collected dropped by 15%.
   
2. In Scotland the number of stray dogs destroyed by Scottish local authorities increased by 130 per cent last year from 94 to 217, and a 7% drop in dogs being re-united, despite 9% fewer being picked up on the streets.
   
3. The West Country also saw a 115% increase in dogs being put down to 82 and a 47% rise in dogs being picked up from 2938 to 4346.
   

Some Statistics:-

1. In the last twelve months Wardens picked up 126,176 dogs, a 4% increase.
   
2. 345 stray dogs per day nationally picked up by wardens.
   
3. 7121 stray dogs were put to sleep, just under one per hour, an 11% increase on the previous twelve months.
   
4. Dogs reunited with their owners due to microchip fell 4% to 31%.
   
5. With fewer Collar and Tag ID's being used reunites fell to their lowest level ever with just 6% being reunited this way.
   
6. Historically approximately three quarters of dogs have always been claimed by their owners but this figure is down to 49%, under half.
   

Plight of our unwanted dogs.
While many caring dog owners are turning to charities to find a loving home for their dogs, many rehoming centres are expressing concerns at the way owners are just abandoning their dogs causing unnecessary suffering.
Tied to gates, locked in abandoned buildings with no food or water, etc.
, the list is endless and the view is that sadly too many dogs are no longer valued as a member of the family.
As the Financial strains tighten.
For those who love their best friend but can see no hope these suggestions hopefully will help you to remain as a complete family.

1. If your dog needs medical help seek out the PDSA or Blue Cross, they may ask some questions about your financial situation but you could find greatly reduced or no treatmentfees.
   
2. Feed scraps, can be made tastier with a little gravy, or buy supermarket cheaper branded dog biscuits/meat or seek out offers.
   
3. Don't feel the world's problems are on your shoulders, walk the dog regularly and meet and talk to fellow dog walkers, always helps to release some anxiety.
   
4. Offer to walk or look after other peoples dogs for them and you may be rewarded with dog food saving you the expense.
   
5. If there are dog rehoming centres near you they may be looking for help, if you have the time.
   They are likeminded people and could suggest ways to help you keep your dog, just talking to them will no doubt help.
   
6. If all fails then please do not abandon your best friend but take him/her to a rehoming centre, it will be hard but you will feel better for it in the end.
   

Not posted as an afterthought to this article but the same plight faces all pets and particularly cats.