A representation of the 100,000 dogs expected this year.

It is estimated that there are around 100,000 abandoned or stray dogs dumped in the UK every year. A survey of animal rescue homes across the UK, commissioned by Pedigree, found that over the course of just eight days between Christmas and New Year, an average of 12 dogs were abandoned in the 33 centres under study.

“These statistics illustrate the severity of the situation. As a nation of so-called dog lovers, it is unacceptable that pets are being treated as throwaway commodities. Dog ownership is a privilege, not a right,” said Clarissa Baldwin, Chair of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH).

The Pedigree Adoption Drive aims to not only increase the public’s awareness of dog abandonment, but also to raise funds to help rescue centres and charities across the UK re-home these dogs.

Now in its second year, The Pedigree Adoption Drive is aiming to increase monies donated from last year’s £489,000 to £600,000 by donating 2p for every single Pedigree product sold during January and February 2009.

For more information visit The Pedigree Adoption Drive website: www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com