The Dogs Trust said yesterday that around 100 stray dogs are still being put down in Scotland each year.

The Dogs Trust said yesterday that around 100 stray dogs are still being put down in Scotland each year.

The charity is urging those looking for a new dog to visit their local rescue centre before spending money on what it calls a "retail Rover".

In Scotland on average more than 20 stray and unwanted dogs a day are handled by local authorities. The trust said that this year approximately 3639 dogs were reunited with their owners, 1458 were taken to local welfare organisations and 97 were put down.

The report conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of the charity shows a reduction from the previous year.

But Clarissa Baldwin, chief executive of the charity, said "This is the first year that the number of stray dogs in the UK has dropped below 100,000, but this is still far too high a figure.

"For a nation of so-called animal lovers it is unacceptable that pets are being treated as throwaway commodities. Dog ownership is a privilege, not a right.

"Dogs Trust is working closely with local authorities and runs education, neutering and micro-chipping campaigns to tackle the issue. As a result the number of stray dogs has dropped gradually in the past 10 years, however the onus remains on owners to accept their responsibility.

"Get your dog microchipped and ensure he is wearing a tag so if he is lost he can be reunited with you."