Stray dog numbers rise by a fifth

The Wolverhampton dogs home is full to capacity

There has been a large increase in the number of dogs abandoned in Birmingham over Christmas and the New Year, according to an animal charity.

Staff at Birmingham Dog Homes are receiving up to 20 calls a day from people wanting to give their dogs up.

More than 600 strays were collected in Birmingham and at a second home in Wolverhampton in January, up 20% on last year.

Manager Peter Grigg said bad publicity about certain breeds may be the cause.

More homes needed

He told BBC news that taking in strays is their priority before accepting unwanted pets but added that recent high winds damaging fencing had contributed to some dogs escaping.

The age range of the strays is from nine months to 14 years.

"We have 20% more strays than last year and although claims are up 5% we are not re-homing the dogs as fast as they are coming in," he said.

"Our Wolverhampton home is at capacity and we are receiving between 15 and 20 calls a day from people wanting to give them up.

"We need more people to take them on as pets but some strays obviously need more care and attention as they have not been treated right."