Number of abandoned dogs in Chichester is rapidly increasing

minor-latin">Chichester District Council dog wardens have seen almost a

doubling of the number of stray dogs that have been picked up in one year.

The council is responsible for the collection of stray dogs and a

policy is in place that if a dog isn't collected by its owner after one week, the

council will seek to give the animal a new home.

From April of 2010 to April of 2011 there were 56 unclaimed strays

(more than one a week) which is compared to the 32 unclaimed dogs from the

previous year. Unsurprisingly, Dog Control Officer Viv Barale says the trend in

unclaimed strays is causing concern.

There was a drop in the total number of stray dogs being found to

197 and of the 56 unclaimed dogs, 43 were re-homed either with members of the

public or to dog rescue centres.

It is the case that most dogs found wandering do have a home and

have simply escaped a garden. According to Barale, most of the dogs that remain

unclaimed are 'Bull breeds' of dogs with aggressive temperaments sometimes to

the point that they cannot be re-homed.

The dog wardens are urging anyone who is contemplating getting a

pet dog to make sure that they can both afford the dog and are willing to

exercise it on a regular basis.

Barale says: "It is really important that owners have the

time and energy to walk and train their dog, and that they are aware of

relevant legislation. It is so important to have a collar and identity tag on

your dog. This must also be done by law."

What do you think? Are you a dog owner/lover who is shocked by

these stats? Let us know whatever you think.