The number of dogs being picked up as strays has fallen by more than a fifth since last year, according to a survey.
The Stray Dog Survey, conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of the charity
Dogs Trust, said the total number of stray dogs in Scotland fell by 23%
from 5,889 in 2011 to 4,524 in 2012.
It was a greater fall than the UK average, which has seen a 6% drop
over the last year to 118,932 and means, on average, that 12 dogs are
picked up a day in Scotland.
Dogs Trust said the figures are "impressive".
Clarissa Baldwin, chief executive of the dog welfare charity, said:
"This year's Stray Dog Survey represents encouraging news for Scotland's
dogs with a significant decline in the numbers of dogs picked up as
strays.
"Dogs Trust works closely with local authorities and runs extensive
education, neutering and microchipping campaigns to help them to tackle
the issue - this is clearly paying off.
"Local authorities should be congratulated for all of their hard work."
Dogs Trust said around half of the dogs in its care were abandoned and left to fend for themselves.
The charity appealed to members of the public to consider giving an unwanted stray a "second chance".
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