DOGS TRUST Salisbury has revealed it is at "full capacity" due to a significant increase in 'lockdown puppies' that owners no longer want to look after.

Since 2020, Dogs Trust in Salisbury has seen a large increase in dogs rescued by the centre.

Data shared with the Journal has revealed a rising trend of dogs being handed over to the organisation since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.

As you can see, the latest statistics show that the intake of dogs has increased significantly, year on year, with 2023 seeing a spike in most dog breeds rescued by Dogs Trust, despite the year not being over just yet.

Based on the current trend, it appears likely that these statistics will rise further by the end of the year.

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Breaking the information down by breed:

  • In 2020, Dogs Trust Salisbury's percentage yearly intake of Border Collies was two per cent, while in 2023 it is currently six per cent.
  • German Shepherds were at three per cent in 2020, while so far in 2023 they are also at six per cent.
  • Bulldogs have risen from one per cent increase in 2020, to three per cent in 2023 at the time of writing.
  • Labrador Retrievers have risen from a three per cent increase in 2020 to a five per cent increase in 2023.Salisbury Journal: Charlie, a Collie (Border) cross at Dogs Trust SalisburyCharlie, a Collie (Border) cross at Dogs Trust Salisbury (Image: Dogs Trust)

Further data shows the number of handover requests to the Dogs Trust Salisbury Centre:

  • In 2020, there were 656 handover requests to the Salisbury Centre.
  • In 2021, there were 754 handover requests to the Salisbury Centre
  • In 2022, there were 984 handover requests to the Salisbury Centre
  • So far in 2023 there have been 884 handover requests to the Salisbury Centre 

The organisation has admitted to being at "full capacity" and has implemented schemes to find new ways to care for relinquished dogs.

Claire Rowe, centre manager at Dogs Trust Salisbury, said: "We have definitely seen an increase in the number of dogs being offered to Dogs Trust Salisbury for relinquishment since lockdown.

"The centre is always at full capacity, and to try to help more dogs we have expanded our Home from Home fostering scheme, as well as implementing the new Home Stay scheme. 

"This scheme specifically helps dogs who can stay with their existing owner until we have found a suitable new home for the dog, rather than coming into the centre."

Those who wish to seek more information about Dogs Trust in Salisbury can find their website by clicking HERE.