Almost 17,500 dogs entered pound system in 2012

A total of 17,477 dogs and puppies entered the system last year.

A total of 17,477 dogs and puppies entered the pound system last year, according to figures released by the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

Over 10,500 of those dogs were voluntarily handed over to pounds according to the figures.

Dogs Trust says the majority of these dogs are healthy animals surrendered by their owners who cannot, or in some cases, will not, do care for their pets any longer.

Many of them are put down on the day of arrival at the pound.