A dog is for life not just Christmas
Several families will be giving or receiving dogs this Christmas.
New figures published by the York Council – together with the alarming dog attack in Leeds – should provide food for thought.
In response to a Freedom of Information request, the Council has revealed that over the last 12 months it has collected on average 1 dog per day Monday to Friday (there is no weekend service).
Over 50 % of dogs are returned to the owners.
In the period January to September 2013 on average 1 dog a month was destroyed 2 because of very old age / ill health meaning that it could not be re-homed.
7 were of a breed (Staffy / Staffy cross) that no carer was prepared to take.
Kenneling stray dogs costs about £30,000 a year in York
Those dogs who are re-homed go to a mix of national charities or specialist breed rescue centres for further re-homing or long term care, or to individuals / families for permanent adoption.
Many charities are looking for good homes for dogs and cats that they receive during the festive period.
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