London becomes UK's lost dog hotspot as over 1,600 pups reported missing
Sad figures have revealed that London has more missing dogs than anywhere else in the UK.
New data from puppies.co.uk reveals that London is the UK’s lost dog hotspot, with more dogs missing for over a year in the capital than anywhere else in the country.
1,629 dogs in London are currently reported as lost, with 1,543 of those missing for over a year.
And this heartbreaking figure is only the tip of the iceberg, as not every missing dog is reported, the true number of lost pets is much higher.
The second-highest number of missing dogs is in Birmingham, where 710 dogs are currently missing, and 691 of those have been missing for over a year. In third is Dudley (585), closely followed by Manchester (584) and Walsall (577).
In response to the findings, a spokesperson at Puppies.co.uk said: “A dog going missing is one of the worst things that can happen to a pet owner. It can be a very stressful and emotional time, especially if they’re not found quickly.
“If the worst happens, it’s a good idea for owners to report their dogs as missing to your microchip database and online, to notify kennels and vets, and to join local groups dedicated to finding lost dogs to have the highest chance of reuniting with their pet.
“In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped and registered. It means that if they are found, a vet or kennel will be able to contact you easily. Another way to ensure that you’ll be contactable if your dog is found is to have your up-to-date contact information on their collar, including your number, name, and address. GPS tracking is also popular, with many owners downloading apps to monitor their pets’ whereabouts, giving them peace of mind if they do wander off.
“There are some things you can do to try and prevent your dog from going missing. Make sure they’re well-trained and respond to commands, try not to let them out of sight when outside, and keep them on a lead in unfamiliar places. And if you have a garden, check that there are no gaps in fences and bushes where they can escape.”