Help us to prevent unwanted litters and abandoned dogs

The problem of unwanted dogs is not confined to other countries. In just two Hampshire council areas, 159 stray dogs were handled during 2024—and 78% were not reclaimed by their owners.

Across the UK, councils handled an estimated 31,644 stray or unwanted dogs in 2024/25, while fewer than four in ten were reunited with their families.

Preventing unplanned litters is one of the most practical ways to reduce the number of animals facing abandonment, hunger or an uncertain future.

The latest Dogs Trust survey* estimates that UK councils handled approximately 31,644 stray or unwanted dogs during 2024/25:

Only 38% were reunited with their owners, the lowest proportion since the survey began in 1997.

For the second consecutive year, councils transferred more dogs to welfare organisations than they reunited with owners.

An estimated 3,374 dogs were put to sleep.

Dogs Trust says the number handled has begun rising again after a long-term decline.

Dogs Trust also received more than 900 enquiries every week during 2025 from people wanting to give up their dogs—equivalent to over 46,000 enquiries across a year, although these are enquiries rather than confirmed abandonment

*Dogs Trust Stray Dog Survey 2024/25