Welcome to our video on the increasing number of stray dogs in Scotland. We'll explore the reasons behind this concerning trend and what's being done to address it.

In the last year alone, nearly 5,000 stray dogs were handled by Scottish local authorities – a staggering 39% increase from the previous year. This isn't just a statistic; it represents a growing crisis.

The impact extends beyond the animals themselves. Many dog owners report taking time off work due to the stress and worry of a missing pet, highlighting the emotional toll this issue takes.

"Owners are unsure of who to reach out to and how much time they have to recover their dog should he or she go missing. Microchipping not only helps speed up the process of reuniting an owner with their dog, it is also significantly reducing the number of strays overall." Clarissa Baldwin, 2024

The cost of living crisis is exacerbating the problem. Animal welfare charities like the Scottish SPCA are seeing a surge in animals needing care, many requiring urgent veterinary treatment, often due to owners' financial difficulties.

While the situation is serious, there's hope. Many dogs find loving homes through rescue organizations. Let's look at some statistics on rehoming.

Half of rescued dogs find homes within four weeks, but some wait much longer. Let's work together to ensure every dog has a safe and loving home.