Thaindian News

London, April 3 (ANI): New figures from Britain have revealed that number of dogs in the country is increasing rapidly.

According to figures by Mintel for the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, the number of dogs is at an all-time high having risen from 5million in 1970 to 8.3million today,

Meanwhile, cats have fallen from a 2004 peak of 9.6million to a mere 8.6 million.

“Dogs are now seen as a fashion accessory, with the likes of Paris Hilton seen carrying hers around, whereas cats are getting less attention,” the Daily Mail quoted Ben Perkins, an analyst at Mintel, as telling the Sunday Telegraph.

“They aren’t seen as a sociable animal and you’re not likely to see a celebrity holding a cat,” he said.

Figures from the Kennel Club revealed ‘handbag dog’ breeds such as Pugs have increased sixfold and Chihuahuas have trebled since 2001.

Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today, told the paper that an increase in amateur dog breeding was the reason behind the rising number of canines.

She said some owners have a litter of puppies and sell them on to cover the cost of their dog.

“I should be pleased but I’m horrified’, she said.

“It is easy money but it means some breeds have seen a huge rise in numbers and many of those dogs end up in rescue centres because they can’t be looked after,” she said. (ANI)