Dramatic decrease in dog destruction rates

Fewer dogs are being euthanised, but the country still has to deal with its huge canine overpopulation problem, according to a national animal welfare organisation.

Some 14,559 dogs were admitted to the pound system last year — 3,141 of these were put to sleep. This represents a 25% reduction on the number euthanised the previous year.

Counties Wexford (446), Limerick (308), Cork (282) and Clare (270) had the highest number of dogs destroyed. Counties Leitrim (1), Sligo (7) and Wicklow (10) had the fewest .