Dogs' home sees rise in number of pets in care

Birmingham Dogs Home has seen an increase in the number of pets in its care

The number of stray and abandoned canines taken in by a local charity has increased by almost half in 12 months.

Birmingham Dogs Home issued a renewed plea as volunteers geared up to look after an influx of homeless animals across the Midlands this Christmas.

The animal welfare organisation, which was established more than 130 years ago and has two centres, has taken in 1,922 dogs this year.

That number is a 48% increase on the 1,298 pets that had been welcomed at the same point in 2022.

A new "Christmas wishes to fill dishes" campaign is urging people to donate, to ensure volunteers can keep dog bowls full during the festive period.

The charity said £3 would feed a dog for a day.

Shimmer, a young Cane Corso, is among the dogs that have been abandoned

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising, explained more dogs were coming into centres at the same time as fewer families were lining up to adopt them.

She said it meant some animals were in the charity's care for much longer than usual.

In December 2021, the charity said people getting pets during lockdown could be among the reasons for a spike in arrivals.

Ms Harrison explained the recent increase was down to a high number of strays being picked up by local authorities.

'Our home is theirs'

The cost of living crisis and the fact dogs had grown in popularity could also be partly responsible, she added.

“We believe that every dog deserves a home to call their own, especially at Christmas," Ms Harrison said.

"But in the meantime, our home is theirs, and with support from the local community we can continue to care for them for as long as they need us."