Owners urged to neuter as 16,000 dogs put down each year

MORE THAN 16,000 stray dogs are put down in Ireland each year because owners don’t neuter their pets — that’s 10 times the rate in Britain.

The claim was made at the launch of National Spay Week yesterday, which was attended by TV3 broadcaster Claire Byrne.

This year’s Spay Week begins next Sunday and aims to encourage owners to take responsibility for their pet’s fertility.