Dogs Trust Ireland Extremely Concerned at 95% Increase in Stray Dogs

As the dog crisis in Ireland deepens, we are extremely concerned about the soaring levels of abandoned dogs across the country.

The latest Irish Dog Control Statistics released by the Department of Rural and Community Development, reveals that the number of dogs being euthanised in Irish pounds across the country has doubled. 340 dogs were ‘put to sleep’ in 2022, more than twice as many dogs, compared to 2021. Under the Control of Dogs Act, dogs who have completed their mandatory five day stay in Irish Dog Pounds, can be euthanised to create space, if the pound cannot rehome them or find a rescue with space to take them. 

Another major concern we have is the 95% increase of stray dogs entering pounds, from 2,592 the previous year to 5,045 in 2022. 

As part of the information released, the department also published the number of official complaints from members of public who reported dog aggressive behaviours. 791 incidences of aggressive behaviour were recorded while the number of people physically injured, which includes damage to clothing, was 308.