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07
Feb
Harrogate named as one of the UK's biggest dog hotspots
Harrogate has been named as one of the biggest dog hotspots in the UK.
New "groundbreaking" research by two universities and the charity Dogs Trust revealed Harrogate ranks joint third in a table of dog density, with 7.4 dogs per 20 people in the town.
Telford topped the list, with 8.2 dogs per 20 people, followed by Darlington at 8.0. Harrogate and Swansea were next, with scores of 7.4.
The lowest densities of dog ownership were found in six areas of London, where for every 20 people there was approximately one dog.
The number of dogs per 20 people per area. Credit: Dogs Trust
The research found the national dog population to be around 13 million.
Previous estimates in 2019 put the population between 9 million and 11.5 million, up to 4 million lower than the latest figure.
Of the 13 million dogs, 83% of them live in England; the south-east and north-west are the most heavily populated canine areas.
A total of 9.1% of the UK's dogs live in Scotland, 5.8% in Wales and 2.1% in Northern Ireland.
Dog count per region in the UK. Credit: Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust described the research as a “game-changer” for understanding dogs and ensuring they receive the correct individual care.
It allows researchers to monitor shifts in breed popularity over time and consider the welfare implications of any changes.
Dr Kirsten McMillan, deputy head of research at Dogs Trust, said:
The UK is well known for being a nation of dog lovers, but it turns out we may have significantly underestimated how many dogs are out there by over four million!
This inaccuracy can have serious implications as it affects important statistics, like how many dogs of different breeds or sizes live in certain regions, how the dog population grows each year, and the overall trends in dog ownership.
This new study is the most comprehensive analysis of the dog population in the UK to date. It's packed with valuable insights for everyone involved in dog welfare and our friends within the welfare sector, veterinary care, epidemiological, and business fields.
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