Increased Intake and Use of Euthanasia in Dog Shelters in the UK and Republic of Ireland 2021–2023

TL;DR

Dog shelters in the UK and Ireland saw a rise in euthanasia rates from 2021 to 2023, especially for certain breeds like Bull breeds and XL Bullies.

Contribution

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of euthanasia trends in dog shelters across the UK and Ireland using FOI data from 2021–2023.

Findings

Euthanasia rates for stray dogs in shelters increased from 1.9% in 2021 to 6.3% in 2023.

Breed-specific euthanasia patterns emerged, with XL Bullies showing a sharp rise from 1 to 150 cases in 2023.

Only 27% of Local Authorities had written welfare policies and 23% had euthanasia policies.

Abstract

In the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI), Local Authorities (LAs) are responsible for stray dogs, with close cultural links and trade in dogs between these jurisdictions. However, there is a lack of coordinated data on the annual numbers of dogs entering LA shelters, reasons for their intake and outcomes across these countries. By making a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to all LAs in the UK and ROI, this study aimed to elucidate and combine this information for 2021–2023. A total of 254 LAs (63%) provided usable data for the three years. The number of dogs entering LA shelters across all countries increased from 16,310 in 2021 to 21,408 in 2022 and to 23,287 in 2023. The proportion of dogs taken into shelter by LAs that were rehomed increased from 41% in 2021 to 53% in 2023. Notably, 6.3% of LA kennelled stray dogs were euthanased in 2023, much increased from the 3.0% in 2022 and 1.9% in 2021. The most commonly euthanased breed type in 2021 was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and by 2023, other Bull breeds, XL Bullies (from 1 case in 2021 to 150 cases in 2023 in responding LAs), and Collies were being euthanased more frequently. A harmonised approach to LA dog data is recommended to enable monitoring over time and between LAs, regions, and countries.

In the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI), Local Authorities (LAs) are responsible for stray dogs, with close cultural links and trade in dogs between these jurisdictions. However, there is a lack of coordinated data on the annual numbers of dogs entering LA shelters, reasons for their intake and outcomes across these countries. By making a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to all LAs in the UK and ROI, this study aimed to elucidate and combine this information for 2021–2023, including euthanasia figures and policies relating to animal welfare. In total, 319 of the 403 LAs responded and 254 (63%) provided usable data for the three years. In all countries combined, the numbers of dogs entering LA shelters increased from 16,310 in 2021 to 21,408 in 2022 and to 23,287 in 2023. The proportion of dogs taken into shelter by LAs that were then rehomed directly or via a rehoming organisation increased from 41% in 2021 to 53% 2023, but so did the proportion of dogs euthanased, except in Scotland. Overall, 6.3% of LA kennelled stray dogs were euthanased in 2023, compared with 3.0% in 2022 and 1.9% in 2021. The most commonly euthanased breed type in 2021 was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and by 2023, other Bull breeds, XL Bullies (from 1 case in 2021 to 150 cases in 2023 in responding LAs), and Collies were being euthanased more frequently. Written welfare and euthanasia policies were reportedly present for 27% and 23% of Las, respectively. A harmonised approach to LA dog data is recommended to enable monitoring over time and between LAs, regions, and countries.

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