SOME of your readers might have been shocked by the findings of a recent survey commissioned on behalf of Dogs Trust, which revealed the extent of the stray dog problem in this country.

Our survey found that 150 stray dogs are put to sleep by local authorities every week, and that almost 300 dogs are lost or abandoned every day.

In the Midlands region alone, 17,200 stray dogs were collected in the past year alone, a rise of three per cent. While the UK as a whole has reported a fall in the number of dogs destroyed, this figure has risen by a shocking 40 per cent in the Midlands. Nearly 1,000 dogs were needlessly put to sleep in the region.

At Dogs Trust we believe that prevention is better than cure and are urging readers that the most effective and humane way of reducing the stray dog numbers in the long term is best achieved through neutering.

It's a simple painless procedure that also has great health benefits for dogs. Neutering can help protect against certain types of cancer, such as womb cancer in bitches and testicular cancer in males.

Having a bitch spayed will put an end to packs of dogs following her around in season and it can stop male dogs from wandering off looking for romance! Most importantly it prevents unwanted litters of puppies.

Fact sheets are available on our website with further information on responsible dog ownership which includes neutering and microchipping, these can be found at www.dogstrust.org.uk

CLAIRE DUKE,

Dogs Trust.