Stray dog numbers rise

The number of strays are up 44% from last year, and the number of dogs having to be put down has risen by 79%.

The National Canine Defence League said it was "sickened" by the increase in the destruction and has called on dog owners to be more responsible.

It has called for dog owners to have their pets neutered to cut down on one of the biggest causes of strays, litters of unwanted puppies.

An estimated 19,492 dogs were roaming the streets of Wales last year, according to the NCDL's poll.

It led to 974 animals having to be put down because their owners could not be found and they could not be found new homes.

Across the UK, there were around 117,564 strays, with an estimated 12,932 put down for lack of homes.

The NCDL puts the blame for the figures on "irresponsible owners" who fail to have their dogs neutered and micro-chipped.

Sian Edwards, NCDL campaign manager in Wales, said: "We are horrified at the scale of unnecessary destruction of healthy dogs.

"Neutering is the only way to stop unexpected litters of puppies being born, so we offer neutering operations for just £20 per dog.

"I urge all dog owners to take advantage of NCDL offers for micro-chipping and neutering.

"Neutering your dog is especially important as there is a massive problem with unwanted litters of puppies being dumped in Wales."

Found wandering

The charity has cited Christmas, a 12-year-old lurcher, as a typical example of the animal welfare problem.

Christmas was found in a bad condition wandering along a beach at Porthcawl on Christmas Eve.

Obviously abandoned, she was suffering from mange, malnutrition and was terrified.

The NCDL took her to the re-homing centre in Bridgend where staff nursed her back to physical health but her emotional scars remained.

She was still listless and depressed and could barely lift her head to say hello to visitors and did not seem very interested in anyone.

"Love and trust"

A volunteer dog walker then took a shine to Christmas and began to take her for regular walks and to make a fuss of her.

She even took her home for a few days to try and cheer her up.

Christmas began to respond and now lives with the volunteer.

Beverley Price, Manager of NCDL Bridgend, said: "Christmas proves that despite having had a terrible start in life, many rescue dogs can learn to trust and love humans again."