Keep tabs on pets in sporty summer

Wednesday 6th June 2012

An animal charity which rehomes unidentified dogs and cats fears pets could become a casualty of a summer filled with sporting events.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home expects to see a rise in the number of dogs arriving at its home following matches in the European Championships.

During the 2010 World Cup, Battersea saw a 70% increase in the number of stray dogs it took in and in the 24 hours following England's quarter-final defeat to Germany, the charity took in 19 strays, almost 60% above the home's average daily intake.

Sean Welland, intake manager at Battersea, said: "When there are major sporting events on TV, people often turn it into a social occasion inviting friends and family to visit. In situations such as these, where there are more people in the home than normal, it's common for external doors and gates to be left open; giving dogs the opportunity to escape."

The charity wants owners to make sure their pets have adequate identification so that if they do get loose, they can be reunited.

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