Ten dogs per week were surrendered by their Clare owners last year.
Figures released by the Department of the Environment have revealed that 558 dogs were surrendered or collected by Clare’s dog warden in 2012, the fifth highest figure of any county in Ireland.
Dogs Trust says the majority of these are healthy animals surrendered by their owners who cannot, or in some cases, will not care for their pets any longer.
The statistics have also revealed that a further 614 dogs were seized in the county, with 700 re-homed or given to dog welfare groups, and 479 were put down, 100 less than in the previous year.
Meanwhile, a total of 7 on the spot fines were issued to Clare dog owners last year – all were paid.
